Abstract
Refugees and other forced migrants encounter numerous obstacles in securing employment that match their skills and qualifications. Building upon existing migration literature that explores integration into the United States labor market, this study investigates economic inclusion and the challenges and opportunities newcomers face in obtaining meaningful employment and utilizing their past education and work experience. We collected data through one-on-one interviews with service providers and community leaders (N = 11) engaged in refugee and forced migrant employment support, with over half (54.4%) identifying as migrants themselves. Data was analyzed using grounded theory techniques. The analysis yielded five overarching themes: (1) A holistic approach to understanding economic inclusion and overall integration; (2) Meaningful work: finding value and meeting individual goals and aspirations; (3) Linkages between economic inclusion and mental health; (4) Tapping into support: The critical role of cultural and community supports; and (5) In an ideal world: “solutions”. Findings suggest that economic inclusion goes beyond mere job attainment; it involves finding work that aligns with personal aspirations. Additionally, the study identifies potential strategies to promote the economic inclusion of this population.