Community sponsorship for refugee integration: A randomized evaluation

We use an RCT to evaluate the effects of the Community Sponsorship (CS) model for the integration of refugees in Sweden. The CS model matches newly arrived refugees with local contacts from the host municipality with the aim of improving language skills, cultural exchange, and new social networks. We have partnered with several municipalities that work closely with the local CSOs to create these matches.

Our study will be the first randomized evaluation of this popular program, which has helped in resettling hundreds of thousands of refugees worldwide. As such, this project will contribute to the broad research and societal discussion on integration by studying an innovative and scalable intervention. We evaluate the intervention based on its effects on social and economic integration, as well as values, health, and well-being.

Researchers
Mounir Karadja

Olle Hammar

Akib Khan