Multidimensional Deprivation Among Newly Resettled Afghans in the U.S

Introduction Refugees are among the most vulnerable groups to experience poverty in the U.S. This study explores multidimensional deprivation among 191 newly resettled Afghan refugee households (N = 930 individuals; including parolees, asylum seekers, and Special Immigrant Visa [SIV] holders) in St. Louis, Missouri, by focusing on their experiences of poverty and perceived discrimination. An adapted version of the U.S. Census Multidimensional Deprivation Index (MDI) is used in the study to assess multidimensional poverty across five domains: living standards, education, health, economic security, and housing quality. Perceived discrimination is also measured using validated scales capturing everyday discrimination, workplace discrimination, and major discriminatory events.

Methods Quantitative data were collected in 2024 as part of a cross-sectional study through interviewer-administered surveys conducted in Dari, Pashto, and English. The surveys gathered data on multidimensional poverty and perceived discrimination among 191 Afghan households (N = 930 individuals). Regression analysis was employed to explore the relationships among demographic characteristics, poverty, and perceived discrimination, while cluster analysis was used to identify vulnerability profiles.

Results Findings reveal significant levels of multidimensional poverty, with 85.98% of surveyed households experiencing deprivation in at least two domains of MDI. Economic insecurity was notably high, with 76.22% of respondents unemployed. Housing deprivation was also prevalent, as over half of the participants (54.50%) were living in overcrowded conditions. Education attainment was low, with 34.92% of participants lacking a high school diploma. Health vulnerabilities were indicated by 22.99% lacking health insurance, alongside reported disabilities and chronic conditions.

Perceived discrimination was widespread, with nearly half (48.16%) reporting discrimination across multiple domains, especially in everyday life (56.54%) and workplace contexts (51.31%). Regression analyses identified that English proficiency was significantly associated with a reduced risk of multidimensional poverty, particularly among older adults aged 41-60. Conversely, longer U.S. residency periods correlated with increased discrimination risks, especially among younger adults and women.

Cluster analysis identified that the most vulnerable households in terms of multidimensional poverty were those with lower English language proficiency, a higher number of minors, and greater reliance on federal assistance. Moreover, analysis shows that those most affected by discrimination had relatively better English language skills and lower reliance on federal aid.

Conclusion This research underscores the complex and multidimensional nature of poverty experienced by refugees in the U.S. It highlights the limitations of short-term support programs that emphasize rapid self-sufficiency over long-term economic integration. Meaningful economic integration requires sustained support, including improved access to quality education, healthcare, stable employment opportunities, and strategies to mitigate discrimination.

Implications The findings of this study have important implications for social workers engaging with refugee populations. The distinct vulnerability profiles identified through cluster analysis highlight the need for tailored, context-specific support that accounts for household composition, language proficiency, and reliance on public assistance. Moreover, the results have significant implications for advocacy efforts. They point to the need for a shift away from narrow, income-based assessments toward more comprehensive, multidimensional frameworks that better capture the complex realities of refugee well-being.