Assessment of Issues Facing Immigrant and Refugee Families

There are many reasons why immigration occurs. It may be enforced owing to a specific region being ravaged by war. In other cases, families may be emigrating in search of a better future. They may be seeking employment in another country as they qualify as skilled labor. Regardless of the circumstances, immigration of any kind can be a daunting task, and several issues may arise during moving from one place to another.

The actual process of migration can be arduous, variable and tumultuous in some cases as well. Moving across borders is often complicated by the fact that in many cases, due to circumstances beyond their control, some members of the family may migrate before others do.

Once they move to a new country and city, acclimatization may take weeks and months as well. For example, some may not even speak the native language, which means they have to work twice as hard.

We cannot underestimate the number of challenges that migrating families face. For example, even families that are qualified and well settled may be put through the wringer. The difficulties are exacerbated manifolds for refugees who may seek immigration because they live in a war torn country.

Other concerns that arise when immigrants and refugees move include socioeconomic and psychosocial concerns. The roles and responsibilities of each family member are frequently tested, combined with the number of sociocultural distinctions that occur because people may not be on the same wavelength, at least initially.

There are designated assessments that are created to determine if immigrants and refugees have the resources at their disposal to integrate on a social, economic and cultural level. This helps both parties to comprehend if they have pragmatic expectations when considering immigration.

Other variables that must be gauged are how well families can encounter challenges and overcome them. Another important aspect which pertains to professionals is the need to ascertain how well their skills set is transferable to the new country. For example, if a person is educated and has a particular area of expertise, he may find it easier to find a job. This will naturally make his transition more seamless and smoother.

As for members of the family who will not be working, their credentials must be assessed as well. A sound spectrum for making that analysis is how well they can learn and their motivation to adapt to a new culture and society.

All in all, the system must acknowledge that no two immigrants and refugees are the same. There may be a multitude of similar cases, but it is imperative to know that each family faces different stressors when they move from one place to another. Like we alluded to earlier, one family may have entirely different reasons for immigrating to another country.