Institutional Constraints Limiting Social Services for Immigrants

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies

Volume

14

Issue

2

Publisher

Routledge

Publication Date

3-10-2016

First Page

156

Last Page

176

Abstract

This study advances the literature by identifying the factors that constrain the resource provision activities of social service agencies for immigrants. We consider whether and how coercive, mimetic, and normative constraints shape organizational practices in this field. Drawing on 25 in-depth interviews with social service providers in Utah, we find that despite providers' commitment to serving immigrants, organizations remain significantly constrained due primarily to external coercive constraints including restrictive state laws and increasing competition over limited funding. We conclude by exploring the implications of our findings for policy and practice.

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