itle: Understanding the Transportation Experiences of Refugees: A Case Study of Iraqi and Syrian Refugees in Erie County, NY

My dissertation examines the transportation experiences of Iraqi and Syrian refugees in Erie County, NY using an exploratory qualitative approach. Transportation is critical for the successful resettlement of refugees and their access to vital resources and opportunities. However, refugee research has highlighted transportation as a significant area of struggle. This is especially important in areas like Erie County, New York, where refugee resettlement is concentrated in opportunity-poor neighborhoods that face persistent disinvestment and decline. Despite its importance, refugee transportation and their equity concerns remain significantly understudied.

The results of this study indicate: 1) Service providers lack a comprehensive understanding of the transportation challenges of Iraqi and Syrian refugees; 2) Perception of refugee experiences as temporary and individual reproduce the inequities refugees face; 3) Refugee resettlement in impoverished and opportunity-poor neighborhoods under the assumption of available ethnic support contributes to refugees’ state of inaccessibility and perceived segregation; 4) Self-sufficiency approaches to refugee resettlement is a challenge to addressing the transportation disadvantages and equity concerns of refugees; 5) Limited representation of refugee voices in decision-making processes undermines refugee service provision and transportation equity.

The findings point to the importance of advancing an equity agenda in refugee service provision to achieve socially just outcomes for refugees. This includes acknowledging the limitations inherent within resettlement policies, understanding the varying needs of refugee groups, fostering collaborative practices between service providers, and amplifying refugee participation and representation in decision-making.

• Dissertation Committee: Nicholas Rajkovich (Chair), Samina Raja, Robert Silverman
• Research Assistant, Resilient Buildings Laboratory (Nicholas Rajkovich)