Concept Map by Alisa Dines

What are some of the barriers faced by immigrant families and how do these barriers affect their integration and well-being?

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:18:24 UTC

English Proficency

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:18:40 UTC

People tend to associate with second-language accent having lower levels of competence and trustworthiness. This can impact immigrant families who speak in a different language than the one they are moving to. However, getting to increase English proficiency is not easy, as there are lack of resources for it (Brander. 2024).

Precarious Living

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:18:46 UTC

Migrants worldwide often face precarious housing, yet little is known about their health and housing experiences. This study examines the barriers and enablers to accessing health and social services for migrants in unstable housing. A qualitative study published between 2007 and 2020. Studies were analyzed using a framework synthesis approach, focusing on migrants in high-income countries. Study quality was assessed using established tools. Out of 1,039 articles, 18 met the inclusion criteria. Migrants from Asia and Africa in Canada, the U.S., the U.K.,and Europe faced barriers like unsafe housing, family separation, income issues, immigration status, and language. Enablers included advocates and coping strategies (Kaur.H et al. 2021).

Employment Challenges & Poverty

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:18:51 UTC

It is difficult for immigrants to be employed due to a variety of reasons. And because it is difficult to get a job as an immigrant due to biases, it can lead to poverty. In addition, due to discrimination, can affect certain groups of immigrants compared to other immigrant groups, where some immigrant groups have higher poverty rates compared to others (Kaida, 2025). Furthermore, the type, range, and quality of services can be different to those in a native country to the country they are new to (June 18 & 2021, 2021).

Affordability

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:18:55 UTC

The issues refugees face regarding housing are urgent and need to be addressed, as housing plays a critical role in their resettlement and integration process. Refugees, particularly those fleeing persecution, often face challenges in securing stable housing in host countries. Housing is not just a basic need but is also a tool that governments use to manage refugee movements. According to Flatau et al. (2015), housing significantly impacts refugees' journeys post-resettlement. Powell and Robinson (2019) argue that during a housing crisis, those at the bottom of the social ladder, like refugees, suffer the most.

Cultural Adaption and Integration

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:19:01 UTC

According to Hornstein (2024), many individuals arriving in Canada must adapt to a culture that significantly differs from that of their home, family, and friends, which can

result in feelings of isolation and loneliness. Adjusting to a new environment requires time for any immigrant or newcomer to Canada. Hornstein (2024) notes that Canada

boasts a highly diverse population, with large cities that vary from those of individuals born outside the country.

Differentiating The Sense of Belonging

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:19:07 UTC

A strong correlation was identified between mental health and a positive sense of belonging for both Canadian-born and immigrant groups. Notably, for immigrants, factors such as full-time employment and homeownership were linked to a greater sense of belonging, while these factors were not significant for Canadian-born participants (Kitchen et al., 2015). Furthermore, immigrants placed a high value on knowing their neighbours by name and having a general

sense of trust in their communities as key indicators of belonging. Despite their integration into local communities, many immigrants continued to maintain strong connections to their ethnic groups (Kitchen et al. 2015).

Abuse

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:19:11 UTC

Every year, thousands of immigrants are detained in Canada, frequently in cruel settings like maximum-security prisons, with no guarantees of their release. Individuals of Middle Eastern and African heritage are subjected to longer detentions and more severe punishment (Canada: Abuse, discrimination in immigration detention 2024). In addition to the abuse experienced to immigrants in detention centers, women who are immigrants, refugees, or non-status in Canada are more likely to experience different forms such as, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and exploitation. Fear of deportation and financial dependence on abusive relationships discourage reporting abuse, while lack of legal status, language barriers, and economic dependence make it difficult to seek help (Canadian Council for Refugees, n.d.) .

Sexual Harassment

alisadines18 — 2025-03-27 00:19:16 UTC

Sexual harassment at work among low-wage immigrant women frequently gets worse with time. Organizational rules to stop harassment and safeguard employees in the case of an incidence are lacking. Low reporting rates of harassment occur because it is especially difficult for people with financial obligations or undocumented immigration status to report harassment (Marín et al., 2021).