A theory-based model of factors influencing refugee economic status was tested using nationally representative samples of Soviet/East European (n = 4241), Southeast Asian (n = 4748), and Cuban (n = 4707) working-age refugees resettled in the United States. Census data on individuals and households were combined with data on metropolitan areas to assess the relative effects of demographic characteristics, residency characteristics, acculturation characteristics, and community characteristics upon refugees' employment status, public assistance utilization, and household income. The data were analyzed using regression analysis with hierarchical entry of blocks. Across the three groups, the model explained 26-31% of the variance in employment status, 32-39% of the variance in public assistance utilization, and 28-35% of the variance in household income. Demographic characteristics had the largest effect on economic status. Residency characteristics, acculturation characteristics, and community characteristics all had small and relatively equal effects. The most important individual determinants of economic status were education, gender, disability, and household composition. Implications for refugee resettlement theory, policy, and practice are discussed. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: <[email protected]> Website: <http://www.HaworthPress.com> © 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.].

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