More than a “Good Back”: Looking for Integration in Refugee Resettlement

This paper describes the experiences of twenty-four Bosnian refugees resettled in the US and explores how achieving integration relates to the US policy contexts and programs. Juxtaposing refugee perspectives and policies, “lived experience” was compared with policies on paper. Central themes included participants’ language and employment struggles, social support networks that included Americans, congregational sponsorship, and participants’ faith in their belief that they could fully belong in American society. Implications included a reevaluation of American resettlement policy regarding language and employment, formal support for sponsorship, and an inclusion of refugee voices in planning and implementing resettlement programs.Cet article décrit l’expérience de 24 réfugiés bosniaques réinstallés aux Etats-Unis, et examine comment la réalisation de l’intégration se rapporte au contexte et aux programmes de la politique des États-Unis en la matière. Juxtaposant les points de vue des réfugiés et la politique officielle, le “vécu” a été comparé à la politique telle qu’énoncée dans les textes. Les thèmes centraux abordés comprennent les difficultés qu’ont connues les participants avec la langue et l’emploi, les réseaux de soutien social-qui incluaient aussi des Américains-le parrainage par les congrégations, et la foi des participants dans leurs croyance qu’ils pouvaient faire partie intégrante de la société américaine. Les implications comprennent une réévaluation de la politique américaine de réinstallation des réfugiés ayant trait à la langue et à l’emploi, le soutien formel au parrainage, et l’apport des réfugiés dans la planification et la mise en application des programmes de réinstallation

Greenways of Saudi Arabia: Activating their transportation potential

Since the early 1970s, auto-centric planning in Saudi Arabia (SA) has created car-dependent lifestyles, resulting in health and environmental problems. In the past decade, ambitious policies (e.g., The Saudi Vision 2030), regulations, awareness campaigns, city plans, and projects have sought to address this problem by transitioning to sustainable urban mobility. One form of this is active transportation (AT) via networks of greenways, which is currently being promoted in Saudi cities. However, the contemporary use of greenways for AT - for example, commuting by bike or walking - is extremely low in SA. Additionally, there is limited research on greenways in Middle Eastern countries. Thus, this paper aims to examine the factors hindering the use and development of greenways as AT corridors in SA, thereby informing efforts to unlock their AT potential. After outlining how the forms and functions of greenways in SA evolved compared to their international counterparts, we present Jeddah city as a case study, a city with low rates of AT. Drawing on recent empirical mixed-methods research, an overview and synthesis of factors explaining the low utilisation rate of Jeddah’s greenways as AT corridors is presented. Barriers to AT are categorised as site-specific (e.g., greenway design, safety, maintenance), contextual (e.g., neighbourhood walkability/accessibility, weather), behavioural and perceptual (e.g., conflicts between greenway users and perceptions). In addition to user-based evidence, we identify broader development-related challenges of building a greenway network for AT in Jeddah city, including spatial connectivity, lack of integration with the concerned authorities, limited budgets, and securing and regulating land. Results show that multidimensional impediments to active commuting via greenways in SA are similar to those globally, for example, greenway’s proximity to home addresses (Krizek and Johnson 2007; Wolch et al. 2010). However, other factors are specific to the Saudi context. These include, but are not limited to, the perception of privacy, unsuitability of formal Saudi attire for riding bicycles, and fear of public judgement. We conclude with a comprehensive model that summarises all the factors influencing greenway use for active transport in SA, which can inform future research and practice in this domain

Social Work Education Canada’s North

The Faculty of Social Work program at the University of Regina is a broker for two social work programs north of the 60th parallel reaching the northern residents of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal ancestry. In addition, for over 30 years, the University of Regina partners with the First Nations University of Canada where a specialized Bachelor of Indian Social Work is offered and now a Master of Aboriginal Social Work. This paper presents the background to the Northern Human Service/BSW program at Yukon College in Whitehorse, Yukon and the Certificate of Social Work at the Aurora College in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Syrian Refugees’ Participation in Language Classes: Motivators and Barriers

Resettlement country language literacy facilitates integration and counteracts social and economic marginalization. Thus, access to language learning is a social justice issue. Resettled refugees in Canada are eligible for free English/French language training. Between 2015-2017, Canada resettled 47,735 Syrian refugees. We explored predictors of language class participation for Syrian refugees, examining data from 1915 adult Syrian refugees in government-funded language classes in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Findings suggest access to language programs are shaped by provincial policies. Factors hindering participation varied by province and included gender, physical/mental health, education, English/French literacy, and employment. Practice and policy recommendations are discussed.L'alphabétisation dans la langue du pays d’accueil facilite l'intégration et réduit la marginalisation sociale et économique. Ainsi, l'accès à l'apprentissage de la langue est une question de justice sociale. Les réfugiés réinstallés au Canada sont admissibles à une formation gratuite en anglais/français. Entre 2015 et 2017, le Canada a réinstallé 47 735 réfugiés syriens. Nous avons exploré les prédicteurs de la participation aux cours de langue pour les réfugiés syriens, en examinant les données de 1 915 réfugiés syriens adultes dans des cours de langue financés par le gouvernement en Colombie-Britannique, en Ontario et au Québec. Les facteurs entravant la participation variaient selon la province et comprenaient le sexe, la santé physique/mentale, l'éducation, l'alphabétisation en anglais/français et l'emploi. Des recommandations pratiques et politiques sont discutées

Exploring the Intersection of Culture and Education in Nunavik

During the last century, Nunavik’s Inuit population has experienced social transformations which have manifested themselves in a range of social issues. Nunavik lies north of the 55th parallel in Quebec, Canada and is one of four regions in Canada that comprise Inuit Nunaat (Inuvialuit, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and Nunavut) – Inuit homeland. The Inuit are one of three distinct Indigenous groups in Canada as defined by the Constitution Act, 1982, with distinct cultural heritage and language. Community Capability and Development in Nunavik, a collaborative project between McGill School of Social Work researchers and an Advisory Committee composed of representatives from key Inuit institutions, explored social issues and community assets in Nunavik. This study sought to (a) provide a forum for community members to voice issues important to them; (b) inform policy development prior to the vote on regional government; and (c) increase the growth of community linkages that support research dissemination via a network of researchers, community members and organizations

What Role Does Type of Sponsorship Play in Early Integration Outcomes? Syrian Refugees Resettled in Six Canadian Cities

AbstractThere is little longitudinal research that directly compares the effectiveness of Canada’s Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) and Privately Sponsored Refugee (PSR) Programs that takes into account possible socio-demographic differences between them. This article reports findings from 1,921 newly arrived adult Syrian refugees in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. GARs and PSRs differed widely on several demographic characteristics, including length of time displaced. Furthermore, PSRs sponsored by Groups of 5 resembled GARs more than other PSR sponsorship types on many of these characteristics. PSRs also had broader social networks than GARs. Sociodemographic differences and city of residence influenced integration outcomes, emphasizing the importance of considering differences between refugee groups when comparing the impact of these programs.RésuméIl existe peu de recherches longitudinales comparant directement l’efficacité des programmes gouvernemental (RPG) et privé (PPR) de parrainage des réfugiés au Canada qui tiennent compte de possibles différences socio-démographique entre eux. Cet article rend compte des résultats de 1921 nouveaux arrivants syriens adultes en Colombie-Britannique, en Ontario et au Québec. Les RPG et PPR diffèrent largement sur plusieurs caractéristiques démographiques, dont le temps du déplacement. De plus, les PPR parrainés par groupes de cinq ressemblaient davantage aux RPG que les autres types de parrainage PPR sur plusieurs de ces caractéristiques. Les PPR avaient aussi des réseaux sociaux plus larges que les RPG. Les différences sociodémographiques et la ville de résidence influent sur l’intégration, ce qui fait ressortir l’importance de tenir compte des différences entre les groupes de réfugiés dans la comparaison de l’impact de ces programmes

Ophthalmology

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 2-year efficacy, durability, and safety of dual angiopoietin-2/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A pathway inhibition with intravitreal faricimab according to a personalized treat-and-extend-based regimen (T&E) with up to every-16-week (Q16W) dosing in the YOSEMITE/RHINE (NCT03622580/NCT03622593) phase 3 trials of diabetic macular edema (DME). DESIGN: Randomized, double-masked, noninferiority phase 3 trials. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with visual acuity loss due to center-involving DME. METHODS: Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to faricimab 6.0 mg Q8W, faricimab 6.0 mg T&E (previously referred to as personalized treatment interval), or aflibercept 2.0 mg Q8W. The T&E up to Q16W dosing regimen was based on central subfield thickness (CST) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Included changes from baseline in BCVA and CST, number of injections, durability, absence of fluid, and safety through week 100. RESULTS: In YOSEMITE/RHINE (N=940/951), noninferior year 1 visual acuity gains were maintained through year 2; mean BCVA change from baseline at 2 years (weeks 92/96/100 average) with faricimab Q8W (YOSEMITE/RHINE, +10.7/+10.9 letters) or T&E (+10.7/+10.1 letters) were comparable with aflibercept Q8W (+11.4/+9.4 letters). The median number of study drug injections was lower with faricimab T&E (YOSEMITE/RHINE, 10/11 injections) versus faricimab Q8W (15 injections) and aflibercept Q8W (14 injections) across both trials during the entire study. In the faricimab T&E arms, durability was further improved during year 2, with >60% of patients on Q16W dosing and ∼80% on ≥Q12W dosing at week 96. Almost 80% of patients who achieved Q16W dosing at week 52 maintained Q16W dosing without an interval reduction through week 96. Mean CST reductions were greater, and more patients achieved absence of DME (CST <325μm) and absence of intraretinal fluid with faricimab Q8W or T&E versus aflibercept Q8W through year 2. Overall, faricimab was well tolerated, with a safety profile comparable to aflibercept. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically meaningful visual acuity gains from baseline, anatomic improvements, and extended durability with intravitreal faricimab up to Q16W were maintained through year 2. Faricimab given as a personalized T&E-based dosing regimen supports the role of dual angiopoietin-2/VEGF-A inhibition to promote vascular stability and provide durable efficacy for patients with DME

Irish accents, foreign voices: mediated agency and authenticity in 'In the Name of the Father' and 'Fifty Dead Men Walking'

Given the intensity of narrative contestation over the public history of and discourse around the modern period of Northern Irish civil conflict known locally as ‘the Troubles’, for filmmakers from outside of Northern Ireland to be seen as making a legitimate contribution to existing debates, there is a pressure for their film texts to be read as ‘authentic’. This desire for authenticity fundamentally shapes the narrative approach taken by these filmmakers. Various filmmaking strategies have been employed in the pursuit of authenticity, but both Jim Sheridan’s In the Name of the Father (1993) and Kari Skogland’s Fifty Dead Men Walking (2008) have taken a distinctly narrative approach, relying upon local written autobiographical material. However, the way in which Sheridan and Skogland have sought to deploy the authenticity embedded in locally grounded source material flirts with self-defeatism as both films problematically obscure the limitations on agency imposed by the filmmakers on the local voices upon who claims of authenticity, and thus the films’ legitimacy, depend.Publisher PD

P stones and provos : group violence in Northern Ireland and Chicago

Although the government of the United States of America was established to protect the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness among all American citizens, this thesis argues intractable gang violence in inner-city Chicago has persistently denied these rights, in turn undermining fundamental (and foundational) American political values. Thus, gang violence can be argued to represent a threat to both civil order and state legitimacy. Yet, where comparable (and generally lower) levels of community-level violence in Northern Ireland garnered the sustained attention and direct involvement of the United Kingdom's central government, the challenge posed by gang violence has been unappreciated, if not ignored, by the American federal government. In order to mobilise the political commitment and resources needed to find a durable resolution to Chicago's long and often anarchic 'uncivil war', it is first necessary to politicise the problem and its origins. Contributing to this politicisation, this thesis explains why gang violence in Chicago has been unable to capture the political imagination of the American government in a way akin to paramilitary (specifically republican) violence in Northern Ireland. Secondly, it explains how the depoliticisation of gang violence has negatively affected response, encouraging the continued application of inadequate and largely ineffective response strategies. Finally, it makes the case that, while radical, a conditional agreement-centric peace process loosely modelled on that employed in Northern Ireland might offer the most effective strategy for restoring the sense of peace and security to inner-city Chicago lost over half a century ago

Understanding Bosnian refugee integration and how it differs by country of resettlement: Denmark and the United States of America

Wealthy countries have responded to the world\u27s refugee crisis by instituting diverse resettlement policies aimed at providing protection, economic support, and integration into the host country. Reflective of host countries\u27 ideologies and beliefs about refugees\u27 needs, these policies reveal little insight into refugees\u27 perspectives and offer little foresight into the achievability of integration over time. Juxtaposing refugee perspectives and policies, this study compared “lived experience” with policies on paper. This qualitative comparative case study explored the cases of 48 Bosnian refugees who had resettled in Denmark and the USA. The study examined their integration and how similarities and differences in achieving integration related to the resettlement country\u27s policy contexts, programs, and ideological traditions. A qualitative case study approach was chosen because it was the most effective way to gain knowledge of refugees\u27 experiences and perceptions in the context of the societies in which they resettled. Data included interviews with refugees and key informants, participant observation, and documents. Findings revealed that both groups struggled with language and employment challenges to integration. Social support networks that included Americans/Danes aided integration as they provided significant support in navigating resettlement. American congregational sponsorship mediated struggles church-sponsored participants faced, facilitating integration. A key difference between the groups was the extent to which participants felt a sense of national affiliation and were able to move beyond integration to achieve normalcy. In Denmark, participants tended to feel separate from Danish society and did not believe that Bosnian culture was valued and accepted on par with Danish culture. In the USA, where participants endured financial struggles, particularly in the first year, their unwavering faith in America as a land of immigrants and their belief that they could fully belong in American society distinguished them from refugees in Denmark. Implications included a reevaluation of American resettlement policy regarding national standards for resettlement services; wider recognition of refugees\u27 educational qualifications and an inclusion of refugee voices in planning and implementing resettlement programs in both countries; a reevaluation of Danish integration policies to address refugees\u27 segregation; and an acknowledgement of the changing fabric of Danish life to legitimately incorporate ethnic minorities