Thirteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Afghanistan continues to be a major source of refugees with six million Afghans seeking refuge in 70 countries. Canada is home to 83,995 Afghan refugees, with Ontario being home to 54,535. Studies have shown that first-generation Afghans have a high prevalence of mental illness including, depression (57%) & PTSD (35%). The perceived discrimination during resettlement is positively associated with higher distress, and this relationship is stronger amongst those with strong intra-ethnic identities and high pre-resettlement traumatic experiences. The expected buffering effects of civic engagement, ethnic orientation, and social support were found to be insignificant in helping this population. For some newcomers, downward mobility and its damaging consequences are temporary; however, others may suffer from it all their lives and pass it on to their children. Minimal research has been conducted on this topic with significant gaps regarding the long-term resettlement of refugees in Canada, especially amongst the succeeding next generation. This mixed-methods study attempts to address this gap. Utilizing a triangulation method to grasp a 360-degree view of the resettlement and integration process, we interviewed and surveyed a diverse sample of 1st-generation Afghan refugees (n=8), 2nd-generation Afghan populations (n=20), and expert resettlement workers (n=3). Findings identified resilience and key themes negatively impacting refugee populations settling into Canadian Society, such as lack of access to education, housing, and employment, poverty, intergenerational trauma, discrimination, gender, and identity crises.