By: Shalom Mhlanga
For many Congolese immigrants, the journey to the United States represents the hope of safety, stability, and new opportunities. However, resettlement brings significant challenges, particularly in accessing essential services such as healthcare and housing. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has consistently been a leading country of origin for refugees resettled in the United States. Since 2014, over 100,000 Congolese refugees have been welcomed into the country, representing approximately 21% of all refugee admissions over the past decade (Office of Homeland Security Statistics, 2024). As illustrated in Figure above, this substantial influx reflects not only the severity of the crisis in the DRC but also the need for robust support systems to aid in their integration and well-being.
In 2018 alone, Congolese refugees accounted for more than 35% of all refugee arrivals in the U.S., highlighting the prioritization of Congolese resettlement under U.S. refugee programs (O’Neill, 2022). More recently, in 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo represented 30% of all refugee arrivals, reaffirming the critical need for robust support to help refugees navigate the complexities of life in a new country (Office of Homeland Security Statistics, 2024)
Washington State has been one of the states that Congolese refugees increasingly call home. As of recent years, an estimated 14% of Congolese refugees resettled in the U.S. have made their way to Washington, drawn by established community networks and available resettlement programs (O’Neill, 2022). Despite these resources, many continue to face barriers that make rebuilding their lives difficult. Language access, financial limitations, and unfamiliarity with U.S. systems create significant hurdles to securing healthcare, stable housing, and employment (Espinoza, 2016).
These challenges extend beyond individual families—they have broader implications for public health, housing stability, and economic inclusion across Washington State. As more immigrants and refugees continue to arrive, understanding and addressing these systemic barriers is critical not just for the Congolese community but for all resettled populations navigating similar struggles.
Navigating the Healthcare System
Healthcare is one of the most immediate needs for newly arrived immigrants, yet many Congolese community members in Washington State face significant challenges in accessing care. Many arrive with pressing medical concerns, from chronic conditions to the effects of prolonged displacement, yet navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming (Rasi, 2020).
In 2023 alone, over 5,500 Congolese refugees in Washington State received medical screenings upon arrival, demonstrating the demand for healthcare services (Washington State Department of Health, 2023). However, access beyond initial screenings remains difficult due to language barriers, financial constraints, and a lack of providers familiar with the specific needs of this population (Washington State Department of Health, 2023). While interpretation services are required in many healthcare settings, they are not always consistently available, leaving some patients to rely on family members or community volunteers to communicate with medical providers (Summit Health Institute, 2015).
Research shows that language barriers significantly impact health outcomes. A study found that immigrants with limited English proficiency were 30% less likely to seek preventive care and had significantly higher hospitalization rates due to delayed treatment of chronic conditions (Rasi, 2020). For Congolese community members, misunderstandings between patients and healthcare providers can lead to misdiagnosis or difficulty following medical instructions, ultimately affecting long-term health.
Mental health care remains another major gap in services. Studies suggest that 60-70% of Congolese refugees experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety as a result of war, displacement, and the challenges of resettlement (Espinoza, 2016). Yet, stigma surrounding mental health, combined with a lack of providers fluent in French, Lingala, or Swahili, creates additional barriers to care. Without access to culturally competent mental health services, many individuals are left without the support they need to heal and adjust to life in a new country.
Housing Stability: An Uphill Journey
Securing stable, affordable housing is another significant challenge for Congolese immigrants in Washington. The state’s housing market is highly competitive, and refugees face additional obstacles due to language differences, lack of rental history, and economic hardship.
Many Congolese families arrive in Washington State without a U.S. credit history or traditional financial documentation, making it difficult to pass standard tenant screening processes. Lease agreements are typically written in formal English, making them difficult to understand without language assistance. Research has found that immigrants with limited English proficiency are twice as likely to experience housing insecurity compared to their English-speaking counterparts (RVC, 2019).
Overcrowding is a harsh reality for many Congolese refugee families in Washington State. To manage high rental costs and cope with limited housing options, families often share cramped living spaces, creating challenges that extend far beyond physical discomfort (O’Neill, 2022). Language barriers add to the difficulty, making it hard to navigate complex legal processes and understand lease agreements – essential steps in securing stable housing (Summit Health Institute, 2015). These obstacles often lead to housing instability, with families resorting to temporary housing or relying on short-term stays with relatives or community members (O’Neill, 2022). In a housing market as competitive and expensive as Washington’s, financial constraints only deepen these challenges, pushing the goal of safe and affordable housing further out of reach for many in the community (Summit Health Institute, 2015).
Community organizations such as the Congolese Integration Network play an essential role in helping families navigate the housing system. These groups assist with rental applications, advocate for tenants’ rights, and connect families with emergency housing support. However, demand for these services far exceeds the available resources.
The Need for a Deeper Understanding
The challenges faced by Congolese immigrants in Washington reflect broader systemic issues that impact many immigrant and refugee communities. Across the state, newcomers from various regions face similar barriers in accessing healthcare, securing housing, and navigating public services. Understanding these challenges in-depth will help build a stronger, more inclusive Washington for all residents.
A forthcoming study by the Porsesh Policy Research Institute (PR) aims to provide deeper insights into these barriers. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study will examine the experiences of Congolese immigrants in Washington, focusing on access to essential services such as healthcare, and housing.
The findings from this study will offer valuable data to inform state and local policy, guiding efforts to expand language-accessible healthcare, develop culturally relevant support programs, and address housing inequities. More broadly, this research will serve as a model for strengthening immigrant integration strategies across Washington State.
Interested in Learning More?
If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact Porsesh Policy Research Institute (PR) via email at info@prresearch.us
or subscribe below to receive an invitation to the launch of the study’s findings.
References
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- Bletscher, C., & Spiers, S. (2023). “Step by Step We Were Okay Now”: An Exploration of the Impact of Social Connectedness on the Well-Being of Congolese and Iraqi Refugee Women Resettled in the United States. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(7), 5324. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075324
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- Espinoza, S. (2016). Barriers to Mental Health Treatment Within the Congolese Population. University of Virginia. https://med.virginia.edu/family-medicine/wp-content/uploads/sites/285/2017/02/Stephanie-Espinoza-Congolese-Mental-Health_Web.pdf
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- Office of Homeland Security Statistics. (2024). Refugee Arrivals by Top Country of Nationality: Sum of Totals: Fiscal Years 2014 to 2023. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. https://ohss.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/2024_1108_ohss_refugee_annual_flow_report_2023.pdf
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- O’Neill, R. (2022, July 29). Seattle Organization Forges Strong Partnerships to Support Immigrants and Refugees. CDC Foundation.
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- Rasi, S. (2020). Impact of Language Barriers on Access to Healthcare Services by Immigrant Patients: A systematic review. Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management, 15(1), 35-48. https://doi.org/10.24083/apjhm.v15i1.271
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- RVC. (2019, September 12). First of its Kind in Seattle, Washington State Congolese Summit Celebrates Culture and Discusses Integration. RVC Seattle. https://rvcseattle.org/2019/09/12/first-of-its-kind-in-seattle-washington-state-congolese-summit-celebrates-culture-and-discuss-integration/.
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- Summit Health Institute. (2015). Giving Voices to the Voiceless: Language Barriers & Health Access Issues of Black Immigrants of African Descent. https://www.issuelab.org/resources/9466/9466.pdf
- Washington State Department of Health (2023). Refugee Medical Screening Report – FFY2023.
