Reciprocity among forced migrants: refugees and asylees as agents of facilitating integration and community-building for self and others in the United States

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the role of informal reciprocity within a refugee and asylee context. The study draws from 21 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2019 with refugees and asylees (ages 27–70) originating from 13 different countries, who resettled in the Northeastern region of the United States. Results from the study revealed five themes that demonstrate that participants engage in reciprocity, both as actors and receivers, starting in their countries of origin and continuing throughout the resettlement process in the United States. Further, findings indicate that participants are integral agents of change, community-builders, and experts of the resettlement process. Their shared experiences inspire an anti-colonial approach to resettlement where power and resources are directly invested in refugees and asylees who have supported and have expressed a desire to support resettlement efforts for themselves and others. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.