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Exploring Volunteer Motivations in Refugee Assistance Amid Shifting U.S. Immigration Policies
Horton, Emma Mae
Horton, Emma Mae
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Refugees—Services for—United States, Volunteer workers in social service—United States, Humanitarian assistance—United States, United States—Emigration and immigration—Government policy, Civil society—United States
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Abstract
This research examines the motivations that drive community members to provide humanitarian aid to refugees amid increasingly restrictive U.S. immigration policies. As refugee admissions and immigration policies fluctuate with changes in political administrations, the role of grassroots support becomes increasingly critical. This study aims to explore the reasons why individuals volunteer to support displaced populations, particularly when such efforts often receive limited institutional support and may encounter increasing sociopolitical resistance. By focusing on a refugee aid organization in the Mid-South, this project examines the personal, social, and political factors that influence volunteer motivation. The research begins with a literature review on volunteerism, humanitarianism, and immigration policy, identifying gaps in understanding how volunteers interpret and respond to policy changes. To bridge these gaps, I will conduct in-depth interviews with volunteers at the center, focusing on their motivations, experiences, and evolving perceptions of their roles. I will also examine the organization's volunteer materials, training protocols, and mission statements to analyze how institutional narratives shape expectations and behavior. This study positions volunteerism as both a personal and political act, where individuals act not for direct benefit, but out of moral obligation, empathy, or opposition. Understanding the motivations behind such actions will
contribute to broader discussions on civic engagement, social responsibility, and the resilience of civil society in politically challenging times. Ultimately, this research aims to illuminate how individual action persists and adapts in response to shifting national priorities, offering insights into the sustaining power of local humanitarian work amidst systemic constraints.
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This document was received from the Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies and uploaded to Dlynx by Rosie Meindl during fall 2025.