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Re-building Life After Migration Research Project

Aug 1, 2025, 09:00 AM

A recent study was conducted by three organizations across three diverse locations—South Australia (Australia), Ontario (Canada), and Los Angeles County, California (USA)—to explore the migration and settlement experiences of young people and their families. This research was led by a large, multidisciplinary team of international researchers and expert service providers (see p. ii). The study brought together globally recognized authorities in the fields of immigration, settlement, acculturation, multicultural mental health, multicultural service delivery, behavioural and cultural dynamics, and epidemiology. Academic collaboration was central to the research, with contributions from scholars at the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide, and the University of Technology Sydney. These university teams worked in close partnership with leading practitioners from key organizations across three countries. In Australia, these included the Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) and Multicultural Youth South Australia (MYSA); in Canada, the Newcomer Centre of Peel; and in the United States, the Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services (IMCES).

 

The research aimed to identify the key contextual factors influencing settlement and psychological well-being, as well as to examine how successful settlement relates to overall well-being. Additionally, the study assessed the nature, scope, and effectiveness of support services currently accessed by these communities. The central goal of the project was to effectively communicate its findings to policymakers and service providers in the fields of settlement, mental health, and social services, thereby informing future policy and research directions in this critical area.

 

In-depth surveys were administered with young people from both refugee and non-refugee migrant backgrounds. The data were collected from a total of 1,201 individuals, predominantly aged between 15 and 24, most of whom had migrated to one of the three study locations within the past 1 to 15 years. The majority of participants originated from four primary regions: the Middle East and North Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Latin America and the Caribbean; and South, South-East, and East Asia. Complementing the survey data, focus groups were held with cohorts of youth in each location, alongside separate sessions involving parents or caregivers with similar migration backgrounds. In total, 56 focus groups were also conducted, consisting of 38 groups of young people and 18 groups of parents or caregivers, providing rich qualitative insights into the migration and settlement experiences of these communities.

 

The research revealed that young migrants in South Australia, Ontario, and California generally felt a sense of belonging due to safety, freedom, education, and multiculturalism.  Although, it was also found that early challenges, discrimination, and exclusion affected their well-being. Strong ethnic identity and support from family or schools helped buffer these effects, with U.S. refugee participants reporting more discrimination and weaker national identity. Family support played a crucial role during settlement, especially during stressful periods like the COVID-19 pandemic, despite acculturation gaps and language barriers. It was also noted many youth carried caregiving responsibilities. Young migrants faced pressure from balancing studies, work, and family duties, leading to stress and anxiety, especially when separated from family abroad. The caregivers/parents valued safety and opportunity in their new countries but faced barriers such as language difficulties and discrimination. Despite this, families used various coping strategies to adapt and support one another.

 

On 28 November 2024, a virtual roundtable discussion was held via Zoom, bringing together 17 members of the Rebuilding Life After Migration (RLAM) Management Committee, along with invited participants from three partner countries. The Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence (CWICE) was invited to learn about the findings and contribute to the dialogue. Following the researchers’ presentation, a rich discussion unfolded about critical issues affecting migrant and refugee communities, with particular emphasis on youth and family well-being.

 

Several key themes emerged from the conversation. First, while newcomers often demonstrate significant resilience, they continue to face systemic barriers—particularly in the labour market—where exclusion and stereotyping remain prevalent. As initial settlement support diminishes over time, feelings of discrimination tend to increase. Participants in the dialogue stressed the importance of sustained, long-term support structures and the use of inclusive language to foster belonging and reduce societal division.

 

Second, the discussion highlighted that belonging is a shared responsibility between migrant youth and the host communities. Many young people, especially those from conflict-affected regions, face a disconnect between their internal sense of identity and how they are perceived by others. Despite language proficiency and cultural adaptation, this disconnect can contribute to mental health challenges. The group called for future research to explore intersecting identities, develop meaningful measures of belonging, and ensure service providers are equipped to address racism and systemic exclusion. While cultural festivals were acknowledged as valuable, participants emphasized that they should not substitute for deeper, structural conversations. Genuine resilience, they noted, arises from bicultural identities that honour both heritage and societal inclusion.

 

Third, a need for policy and practice to shift from individual-focused to family-centred approaches was emphasized. Extending support to include wider family networks and recognizing the diverse needs of families can strengthen overall resilience. Schools and community-based organizations were identified as key platforms for implementing such support.

 

Finally, the roundtable underscored the importance of upholding the rights of children and youth as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Raising awareness among young people and their parents about these rights is essential. The voices of unaccompanied and separated children must also be heard and included in future research as a distinct group; as well policymaking is necessary to ensure that their unique experiences and needs are acknowledged and addressed. A summary of CWICE’s contributions can be found summarized in the report on page 75.

 

Overall, this research outlined several key policy actions for policy development, practice and future research are recommended:

 

(1) To support equitable settlement and well-being: key policy actions include expanding English language education, strengthening anti-racism measures, and simplifying access to employment through recognition of overseas qualifications. Prioritizing family reunion visas and offering pathways to permanent residency for those with precarious status are also vital. Above all, policies must ensure refugees can fully participate in society with dignity.

 

(2) Improving education, mental health, and community services is essential for supporting young migrants and their families. Schools could guide students toward higher education and connect them to well-being support, involving families as needed. Service providers must actively engage youth through outreach and social programs. Affordable mental health care, peer support, and family-focused initiatives—along with expanded school-based mental health services and long-term English support—are key to building resilience and belonging.

 

(3) Future research should focus on long-term studies of migrant and refugee experiences, including identity, education, employment, mental health, and resilience. It should explore how labels like "refugee" or "migrant" affect self-perception, especially in the context of racism and policy. More attention is needed on asylum seekers, temporary residents, and undocumented individuals, as well as on the help-seeking behaviors of youth with insecure status.

 

For more information, please review the full study and recommendations.

 

About the author:

Ghezal Wallid is a Data and Research Coordinator at Peel CAS in the Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence (CWICE). She holds a Master of Development Policy from the Korea Development Institute (KDI). Ghezal has over 5 years of experience in the humanitarian and social services sectors. She has experience working with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and CORDAID to create a safe, positive, and caring environment for the community, with expertise in coordinating program and response plans and researching evidence-based practices and interventions to improve the quality of services to the vulnerable. In her current role, Ghezal focuses on leveraging data-driven solutions to enhance child welfare practices and outcomes at Peel CAS.