Immigrant and refugee communities: Resiliency, trauma, policy, and practice

Abstract

Summary Children and families from immigrant and refugee communities entering new lives in the United States are at risk of traumatic adjustment. Federal policies impact them directly and indirectly, privileging some while challenging others. It is incumbent upon social workers, as professionals committed to social and economic justice, to comprehensively understand the range of obstacles facing immigrants and refugees and empower them in their struggle to make a healthy adjustment. This article weaves together multiple policy and practice strands with discussion of the needs, strengths, and traumas experienced by immigrant and refugee individuals and families. The responses of a small metropolitan community to the needs of diverse immigrant and refugee populations are presented as an exemplar.