Exploring Community Engagement and Cultural Maintenance Among Forced and Voluntary West African Immigrants in New York City

In recent decades, there has been an increase in the number of West African immigrants to the USA and greater variation in the circumstances underlying their migration, including political persecution and forced migration. This multitude of migration pathways influences factors, such as trauma experiences, level of preparedness for migration, and family separation and stability, and may have important implications for immigrant participation in ethnic and community-based structures, or niches, once in the USA. Using a grounded theory approach, this qualitative study explored the challenges faced by a sample of 32 adult forced and voluntary West African immigrants in New York City. Findings suggest that forced migrants may have more actively engage with, and have positive perceptions of, culturally based ties, resources, and support in their host country. In contrast, voluntary migrants may be less likely to emphasize these connections when discussing problem-solving strategies. Results are examined in the context of the Conservation of Resources theory of immigrant loss. Implications for addressing the needs of West African immigrants in social service interventions and future research are also highlighted.