(Re) Imagining Immigrant and Refugee Inclusion in Resettlement Spaces: A Study of Barriers and Facilitators to Sense of Belonging

Background: As immigrants and refugees navigate new environments, their health, education, employment, and access to services undergo significant shifts, creating both opportunities and disparities. Migration challenges are compounded by social risk factors influenced by socioeconomic, political, and cultural hierarchies, constraining access to culturally appropriate services and hindering integration into their new communities. These factors impact their sense of belonging and impede their integration into host countries. While immigrants' and refugees’ sense of belonging holds profound significance for integration, shaping the formation of social ties, community participation, and overall well-being, literature on understanding the challenges and catalysts to support their sense of belonging is sparse. Our study aimed to (1) examine the barriers and facilitators to a sense of belonging among immigrants and refugees and (2) explore community-grounded solutions to engender inclusive spaces for these new members of the US society.

Methods: Our study is part of a larger transformative multi-level mixed methods research design project grounded in a community-based participatory research approach. Qualitative data was collected through ten in-person focus group discussions at community town hall events across the mid-western city, our research site. A total of 109 community members, aged 18 years or older and representing 23 countries, participated in the 90-minute focus group discussions, which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Utilizing a framework analysis, a systematic and flexible approach to qualitative data analysis using a structured framework, data analysis followed four key phases: familiarization of data; thematic framework identification; indexing and charting; mapping and interpretation; and summarizing and reporting. We used NVivo to code the data into an identified thematic framework with four key concepts: a sense of belonging, barriers, facilitators, and community-grounded recommendations. Frequency coding was also used to index and chart data to examine similarities and differences across the ten groups. Two coders coded the data independently in a four-person research team. Any disagreements in coding and analysis were resolved through an interactive team approach.

Results: Seven overarching themes emerged from data analysis that uncovered barriers and facilitators to a sense of belonging that affected immigrant and refugee inclusion in resettlement spaces: (1) systematic barriers and social exclusion; (2) everyday experiences of discrimination; (3) labor market inequities: the untapped potential of immigrants; (4) legal barriers and fear of retaliation; (5) empowerment through education and awareness; (6) community connection, engagement, and inclusive spaces and (7) access to resources and opportunities. Recommendations to foster a sense of belonging and overall inclusion included efforts to create platforms for intentional civic engagement and cultural exchanges, increasing representation and immigrant leadership, and creating a center for immigrants and refugees in local spaces.

Conclusion: Our study's findings not only shed light on the complex interplay of factors influencing immigrants' and refugees' sense of belonging and integration but also provide practical solutions. They underscore the importance of community-driven approaches in addressing these challenges and fostering inclusive societies. The community-grounded solutions from our study offer clear implications for programs and policies for diverse and vibrant local resettlement communities and equitable immigrant integration policies.