The Survival Job Trap: Explaining Refugee Employment Outcomes in Chicago and the Contributing Factors

Abstract

Abstract Refugees resettled through the United States Refugee Admissions Program are expected to become economically self-sufficient by 90 days post arrival. To meet this expectation, refugee resettlement agencies attempt to place refugees in employment as rapidly as possible. Consequently, refugees are placed into pre-identified jobs—termed survival jobs—at partner employers in the secondary labour market largely irrespective of career background. This study examines the long-term employment and socio-economic outcomes of refugees given the agency approach and resulting initial job placement. To do so, I use individual employment records from a refugee resettlement agency in Chicago, semi-structured interviews with refugees and autoethnography conducted over an eight-year period (2008–16). I find that the initial employment placements made by the refugee resettlement agency in the immediate period post-arrival have long-term implications for economic integration. Refugees in general, but in particular those who arrive with less relevant human capital, remain in employment at agency partners five years after arrival. These positions offer limited opportunities for upward economic mobility, leaving many refugees at or near the Federal Poverty Line.