The unmarked path towards integration: The role of market and social citizenship in the integration of refugee claimants

In 2022, Canada opened its doors to 91,760 refugees who sought asylum upon their arrival. Kinbrace Community Society offers temporary housing for refugee claimants during their first three to six months in the country. I conducted qualitative interviews with former Kinbrace residents and discovered a crucial factor in a refugee's successful integration into Canadian society - social citizenship. This encompasses social connections, access to social services, transitional housing, and a sense of belonging. The families interviewed began their new lives in Canada from a similar starting point as Kinbrace residents, which provided a unique perspective to witness the impact of social citizenship in their settlement. This research highlighted that early access to social citizenship plays a vital role in helping refugees find employment, secure stable housing, and is a crucial component in the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.