Multidimensional Deprivation amongst Refugees in the USA

Refugees are one of the most at-risk groups to experience economic exclusion and poverty due to the often abrupt and unplanned nature of their forced displacement and structural barriers after resettlement. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of multidimensional poverty (deprivations in five domains of education, health, living standard, economic security and housing) and factors associated with this complex problem amongst newly resettled refugees in the USA. Using 2016, 2017 and 2018 Annual Survey of Refugees data-sets and an adjusted version of the census Multidimensional Deprivation Index, poverty in different aspects of life was measured. Multivariate correlational analyses were utilised to explore possible associations between poverty, length of residence in the USA, permanent residency status and English language proficiency. The findings of this study suggested that over half of the surveyed refugees were multidimensionally poor. Limited English language proficiency at the time of the data collection was the best predictor of multidimensional poverty amongst the explored factors. Estimated rates of poverty amongst refugees call for further attention to policies fostering the economic integration of refugees as new Americans in the USA. Recommendations for resources, interventions and policies fostering refugees' economic integration and well-being were discussed.