Date of Award
4-1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
School Name
Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education
Department
Education
Major Advisor
Elizabeth Dinkins
Second Advisor
Grant Smith
Third Advisor
Kristin Monroe
Abstract
Refugees are regarded as one of the most pressing humanitarian issues worldwide due to intricate social, economic, and demographic factors. Changes in U.S. immigration policy across successive administrations, particularly regarding the refugee ban and the duration of the resettlement process, have significantly impacted admission procedures. Consequently, family separations occur during the resettlement process, compelling families to navigate immigration policies while managing the challenges of being apart. This separation from their children greatly affects refugees’ ability to integrate into American society.
The research examines how Syrian refugee families cope with the separation resulting from U. S. immigration law. An important lens was applied to the relationship between refugees managing family separation and U. S. immigration policy, guided by the research question:
How do Syrian refugees cope with family separation caused by U. S. immigration law?
This study included 14 Syrian refugee families who shared their experiences through three stages of data collection: 37 questionnaires reflecting diverse family demographics from Syrian cities, one focus group composed of 14 participants, and individual interviews with five participants from five refugee families.
Key themes emerged from participants' responses to the questionnaires, focus group discussions, and individual interviews. Data analysis revealed three consistent themes: 1) building a community through robust networks, cultural integration, and language acquisition; 2) coping strategies involving the effectiveness of technology, feelings of belonging, and support from refugee agencies; and 3) the roles of children in enhancing employment opportunities, assisting with advocacy, and facilitating adaptation.
Recommended Citation
Aljijakli, Firas, "The Transition Process of Syrian Refugee Families Separated by U.S. Immigration Law" (2025). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones. 197.
https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/tdc/197
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Family Law Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Immigration Law Commons, International Law Commons, Legal Education Commons, Migration Studies Commons, Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons