Employment & Economic Integration FAQs

Are refugees allowed to work?

Yes, in fact refugees are encouraged to be employed. Many of Maine's refugees are educated and experienced in a variety of fields.

What types of jobs do refugees get?

Due to language barriers — or professional skills that do not easily transfer to the U.S. job market — many refugees start out in entry-level jobs while they are working on their language skills or other job-related certification. 

Do refugees pay taxes?

Yes, when refugees start working, they start paying into the tax system.

Do refugees take away jobs from US citizens?

Historically, no. Due to language barriers and employment skills that may not easily transfer easily to the US job market, many refugees initially take entry-level positions that do not require English proficiency. Also, many refugees work two or more entry-level, low-wage jobs to achieve financial stability and independence.

Are refugees an economic drain on the community?

The economic impact of refugees on local communities is very small. Refugee Resettlement is a federal program designed to temporarily support refugee families while they transition to self-sufficiency. 

Because refugees arrive in Maine from different countries (both developed and developing) they often have a wide range of differing levels of skills and education. Some have attended college and worked in established industries in their native countries, while others come from agricultural based economies and are excellent farmers, but lack reading and writing skills in their own languages. These different backgrounds result in different employment opportunities for refugees in Maine. Many refugees with little to no education begin in low skill level jobs like manufacturing and housekeeping, while others pursue jobs in their previous fields of employment like nursing and construction.

What are some of the cultural and employment adjustment issues that refugees and asylees face? 

Because refugees arrive in Maine from different countries (both developed and developing) they often have a wide range of differing levels of skills and education. Some have attended college and worked in established industries in their native countries, while others come from agricultural based economies and are excellent farmers, but lack reading and writing skills in their own languages. These different backgrounds result in different employment opportunities for refugees in Maine. Many refugees with little to no education begin in low skill level jobs like manufacturing and housekeeping, while others pursue jobs in their previous fields of employment like nursing and construction.