57. The Life of a Refugee: Economic Integration and Forced Migration w/ Dr. Mitra Naseh
In a recent conversation with Dr. Mitra Naseh, I had the privilege of uncovering her transformative journey from Iran to the United States and the significant work she is doing in the field of social work and refugee wellbeing. This dialogue was not just enlightening but also deeply inspiring, showcasing the profound impact one person can have on addressing the complexities of forced migration.
A Personal Journey Rooted in Advocacy
One of the most compelling aspects of Dr. Naseh's story is how her passion for social justice and refugee advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal history. Born in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war, she grew up in a nation that has long been a host to Afghan refugees. Influenced by parents who were steadfast in their commitment to social justice, Dr. Naseh's path toward humanitarian work began at a very young age.
"I started volunteering and doing internships in refugee-serving organizations from a very young age," she shared. Her career took her through various impactful roles, including a significant tenure with the United Nations, where she worked on regional programs for Afghanistan and neighboring countries. These experiences solidified her commitment to addressing refugee issues at both a local and global level.
Shifting Gears: From Engineering to Social Work
Interestingly, Dr. Naseh initially pursued a degree in computer engineering—a field she chose under societal pressures for a secure and prestigious career. However, the disconnect between her true calling and her chosen field left her feeling unfulfilled. "I was a good student, so everyone wanted me to have a good job and a good future, which at the time meant studying computer software engineering," she recalled. But it was a mistake that made her miserable until she pivoted to economics, focusing on poverty among refugees.
The Intersection of Personal and Professional Experience
Dr. Naseh’s firsthand experience of the challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Iran deeply influenced her academic and professional pursuits. She spoke poignantly about the discrimination and stigma Afghan refugees faced, which fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact. "The narrative that refugees are taking our space is never true," she asserted, highlighting the systemic and societal barriers that restrict refugee access to resources.
Her own journey led her to pursue further education in the United States, where she faced significant hurdles, including the challenging immigration policies that many highly educated immigrants encounter. Dr. Naseh emphasized the emotional and psychological toll these policies have on individuals, sharing her personal struggles with uncertainty and anxiety.
Economic Integration and Advocacy
A significant part of our discussion centered around Dr. Naseh’s extensive research on the economic integration of refugees. She explained the multifaceted nature of economic integration, which includes income, employment, education, health, and access to resources. "Economic integration is not just about employment. It encompasses a broad range of indicators that reflect the overall wellbeing and successful integration of refugees into a host society," she explained. Dr. Naseh and her team have conducted extensive research to develop a comprehensive understanding of economic integration, including a study that reviewed over 12,000 publications on the topic.
Forced Migration: Beyond Borders
Dr. Naseh also shed light on the broader concept of forced migration, which includes not only refugees but also asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals. "Forced migration is not limited to crossing international borders. It can include displacement due to extreme poverty, climate change, and internal conflicts," she noted. This expanded view highlights the often-overlooked crises that many populations face, requiring attention and resources from the global community.
Challenges of Highly Educated Immigrants
Touching upon the specific struggles faced by highly educated immigrants, Dr. Naseh described the unique pressures and systemic barriers that make their integration challenging. "Many highly educated immigrants find it difficult to secure jobs that utilize their skills due to restrictive visa policies and the lottery-based work visa system in the United States," she said. This not only hinders their professional growth but also affects their mental health and overall wellbeing. During our conversation, Dr. Naseh shared the emotional toll that immigration policies can exact on individuals. "In more than half of our interviews with highly educated immigrants, participants broke down in tears," she recounted. The constant anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of policy changes create immense stress, impacting both mental and physical health.
The Power of Advocacy and Policy Change
Dr. Naseh emphasized the need for more humane policies that prioritize the humanitarian aspects of forced migration over political considerations. She pointed to Canada as a model, highlighting its merit-based immigration system that values the skills and education of immigrants. "In contrast, U.S. policies are often more restrictive, creating many hurdles for highly educated immigrants," she explained.
For instance, in the U.S., dependents of visa holders often face severe restrictions. "While Canada allows dependents to work and study, the U.S. imposes limitations that can leave families in a difficult situation," she said. Dr. Naseh advocates for policy changes that provide greater support and flexibility for immigrants and their families.
Balancing Professional and Emotional Commitment
Despite the challenges, Dr. Naseh finds immense satisfaction and purpose in her work. "Working on issues that are deeply personal to me allows me to channel my experiences into meaningful advocacy and research," she noted. This commitment drives her to continue pushing for policies that support refugee and immigrant communities.
Dr. Naseh also stressed the importance of self-care and professional support. "I have a good therapist, and I recommend professional help for anyone struggling with emotional and psychological stress," she shared. Additionally, she finds joy and fulfillment in her work, whether it's publishing papers, securing funding, or designing interventions to support refugees.
Advice for Aspiring Advocates
As our conversation drew to a close, Dr. Naseh offered insightful advice for young people and students who are passionate about making a difference. "It's a journey. Take your time and walk the walk," she advised. Recognizing the long and often arduous path of advocacy, she emphasized the importance of persistence, resilience, and finding joy in the process.
"Remember that you are not alone. You will find people who care about the same issues," she reassured. The connections and collaborations that develop along the way can provide both support and renewed motivation.
Dr. Mitra Naseh’s journey from Iran to the United States, and her relentless advocacy for refugees and immigrants, serves as a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have. Her story is a blend of personal experience, professional dedication, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Through her work, she continues to bridge worlds, fostering a deeper understanding and a more inclusive approach to forced migration and refugee wellbeing.
Dr. Mitra Naseh is an early career forced migration scholar. She currently holds the position of Assistant Professor and serves as the Co-Founder and Research Director of the Initiative on Social Work and Forced Migration (ISWFM) at the Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis. Naseh's scholarly work is centered on the multidimensional social and economic integration of forcibly displaced individuals, a focus that draws from her multidisciplinary background. Naseh's research is influenced by her lived experiences and informed by her prior work as a staff member in non-governmental organizations and the United Nations, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. Naseh's scholarly contributions are underscored by her co-authored acclaimed book, "Best Practices in Social Work with Refugees and Immigrants," published by Columbia Press in 2019.
