A Trauma-Informed Analysis of Resettlement Policies for LGBTQI+ Refugees and Asylees in the United States

Background: LGBTQI+ refugees and asylees often face unique challenges of exclusion and the threat of persecution across multiple stages of migration and resettlement. In this study, we investigated the current refugee resettlement policies in the United States through a trauma-informed policy analysis lens and compared them with those of three, similar high-income resettlement countries: Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Methods: We collected data from policy documents from government and resettlement agency websites, as well as peer-reviewed journal articles discussing resettlement policies specific to LGBTQI+ refugees and asylees. A document analysis method was used to examine these materials within a trauma-informed framework. Results: Findings indicated that current United States policies for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylees lack many considerations from a trauma-informed framework. In comparison, while policies in the United Kingdom reflected similar limitations, recent developments in Canada and Australia demonstrated greater recognition of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI+ communities, along with multiple pathways to support safer spaces in resettlement. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for substantial policy development in the United States to better support LGBTQI+ refugees and asylees from an inclusive, trauma-informed framework.