Towards a functional place: Syrian refugees' contending with the European Union's host-home schism

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/imig.13380

The refugee crisis is rooted in the host-home schism, a fundamental disconnection between the host (the EU) and home (refugees' country of origin). This schism is generated by the EU's migratory policies resulting from the struggles between different political camps, and the resulting compromise between the far-right/exclusive camp and the liberal camp. To assess this schism, we have conducted an in-depth analysis of Syrian refugees' perceptions with focus groups. Our findings demonstrate that this schism between home and host countries shapes the everyday experiences of the Syrian refugees in the EU. The divide between home and host countries is reflected in their experiences, limiting their agency and distorting their identity. As a result, this schism renders their integration into European countries ineffective. Moreover, it creates multiple dilemmas for their positions in their host societies as they find themselves entrapped inside multifaceted contradictions that they cannot escape from whatever they do. We propose that the host-home schism could be bridged by institutionalizing both refugees' transnational activities and responsibility towards home. We label this proposal as a functional place.