Refugee resettlement to the United States: recommendations for a new approach

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2011 Aug;199(8):532-6. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0b013e318225eebf.

Abstract

Hmong acculturation to the United States has involved high prevalence of several psychosocial challenges: acculturation failure, welfare dependency, psychiatric disorder, mistrust, malignant youth gangs, and violence. Conversely, resettlement of the Thai Dam-a tribal group, also from Laos-has gone remarkably well in comparison. Strategies used for resettlement of these two groups differed greatly. Based on these differences, the author recommends a refugee resettlement strategy aimed at improved mental health and optimal acculturation for future refugee groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Humans
  • Laos / ethnology
  • Mental Health*
  • Refugees / psychology*
  • Social Problems
  • United States