IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE YOUTH SETTLEMENT EXPERIENCES: “A NEW KIND OF WAR”

Abstract

The settlement and adaptation of immigrant and refugee youth in receiving countries is a long-term process with many challenges. In this study, we explored factors that influenced the settlement experiences of 14 immigrant and refugee youth who arrived in Canada as adolescents. The interviewees (9 male, 5 female) ranged in age from 19 to 32 years and represented 10 source countries. Analyses of the semi-structured interview transcripts revealed that their settlement and adaptation were negatively influenced by pre-migration experiences; difficult socioeconomic circumstances in Canada; lack of knowledge of Canadian laws and legal sanctions; challenging educational experiences; racism and discrimination; and cultural identity issues. However, several factors exerted a positive influence on participants’ settlement experiences or served to mitigate the negative influences in their lives: in particular, strong support networks and involvement in prosocial community programs as participants and/or leaders. We make recommendations for facilitating the integration process in school settings and in the wider community.