Abstract
Resettling in the United States poses unique challenges for refugees. Radicalized labor markets, educational systems, and housing markets present hidden and overt obstacles, especially for SWANA refugees who endure radical prejudice and discrimination. Refugees, especially SWANA refugees, flee war torn and repressive regimes in their homelands, yet many are forced to resettle in the same country that has had direct involvement in the destabilization of their homelands. This creates double-consciousness among refugees from countries such as, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, who must reconcile the United States' involvement in their home countries' political and military affairs yet rely on the US for a new beginning. Radicalized experiences in their new host country further complicate their experiences of double consciousness. Using data collected by the Urban Institute that examines the experiences of refugees who have lived in the US for the last five years, I examine the relationship between ethnic origin and income among SWANA and Non-SWANA refugees. In addition, I analyze the relationship between education level and income, and English proficiency and income. Results show that despite higher levels of education, SWANA refugees have less income than Non-SWANA refugees. Among all sampled refugees, education is significantly associated with income. College education, in particular, shows a significant relationship with income. This study reveals that further analysis of the experiences of refugees, especially SWANA refugees warrants further investigation, both quantitively and qualitatively.