The Effect of Nationalism on Refugee Integration in Texas Metropolitan Areas from 2008-2018: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Refugee integration is a relevant issue for policymakers and non-governmental organizations, however minimal research has explored modern refugee integration in the United States. An exploratory study identified relevant literature, which was reviewed critically and synthesized to generate new ideas and provide direction for further research. Emerging attitudes of nationalism demonstrated through political rhetoric and news media were found to have minimal influence on refugees’ integration processes into Texas metropolitan areas. Most refugees in Texas are achieving the desired outcome (i.e., self-sufficiency) of the United States Refugee Admissions Program. Inconclusive evidence exists to determine if refugees are successful in all integration phases when entering Texas host communities. The phenomena under study, refugees’ successful integration into Texas host communities, remains an inconclusive outcome. Future studies should examine host communities' perspectives to explore the effects of nationalism on refugees’ integration processes. A need exists for consensus building and refinement on the definition of refugee integration, prioritizing the importance of integration as a two-way process.