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Perceived Discrimination Among Three Groups of Refugees Resettled in the USA: Associations With Language, Time in the USA, and Continent of Origin

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health volume 11, Article number: 505 (2009) Cite this article

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and predictors of discrimination among a community-based sample of refugees resettled in the USA. We sought to test whether language, gender, time in the USA and country of origin were associated with the experience of discrimination among individuals resettled in the USA as part of the refugee resettlement program. Perceived discrimination was assessed among individuals from East Africa (n = 92), West Africa (n = 74), and from Eastern Europe (n = 112) using a multi-item measure of discrimination. Bivariate associations revealed statistically significant associations between experiences of discrimination and time in the USA, language ability, and sending country. A logistic regression model revealed that refugees from African sending countries were more likely than Eastern European individuals to experience discrimination, even after controlling for potentially confounding factors. We interpret this finding as evidence of racism and discuss the implications for population health and resettlement practice.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, Emory University, 1557 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Craig Hadley

  2. Department of Anthropology (BSB 2102, MC 027), University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA

    Crystal Patil

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  1. Craig Hadley
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  2. Crystal Patil
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Correspondence to Craig Hadley.

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Hadley, C., Patil, C. Perceived Discrimination Among Three Groups of Refugees Resettled in the USA: Associations With Language, Time in the USA, and Continent of Origin. J Immigrant Minority Health 11, 505 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-009-9227-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-009-9227-x

Keywords

  • Racism
  • Poverty
  • Segmented assimilation
  • Immigration
  • Health disparities
  • Somalia
  • Liberia
  • Meskhetian Turk