Many stereotypes are fueled by misleading mass media communications, and the misnomer that refugees can't integrate into our society. Stereotypes, particularly in the labor market, place refugees as mere welfare cases.

Refugees represent a massively underutilized resource. What's worse is this all stems from stereotypes and fear. When integrated into society, refugees offer an extensive and talented workforce.

• Hard to find gainful employment

• Male refugees of working age had a 67 percent employment rate from 2009 to 2011, while native-born males had only a 60 percent employment rate during the same time period.

• Refugee women were just as likely as native-born women to be employed.

• Refugees are also more likely than the U.S.-born population and other immigrants, to be of working age (25-64 years).

The aim is to break such stereotypes since there are many very gifted and highly motivated refugees.

Sources:

1. National Immigration Forum - https://immigrationforum.org/article/immigrants-as-economic-contributors-refugees-are-a-fiscal-success-story-for-america/

Giving Tech Labs Team - Giving.tech