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This thesis examines the factors contributing to the risk of Islamic radicalization among resettled Muslim refugees in the United States and examines how U.S. resettlement policies influence these risks.

It examined the impact of U.S. resettlement policies on radicalization trends and examined broader security implications. Utilizing an interpretivist framework, this research integrates Securitization Theory with Structural, Social, and Individual Factors Theory to examine how diverse social, psychological, and structural factors contribute to the vulnerability to radicalization within refugee communities. Employing qualitative content analysis of government documents, media reports, NGO publications, and case studies of refugee-related terror incidents, the study investigates how policy decisions that treat Muslim refugees as potential threats can affect their integration and make them more susceptible to extremist ideologies.

Findings indicate that, although the risk of radicalization among refugees is relatively low, policies that emphasize security concerns may unintentionally worsen socio-economic hardships, identity crises, and social isolation, heightening vulnerabilities to radicalization. This thesis offers a nuanced view of the complex intersections between security and integration, advocating for resettlement methods that balance national safety with inclusive practices to promote refugee integration. The research supports evidence-based policymaking, highlighting the necessity for informed strategies that strengthen public security without compromising refugee community cohesion and resilience.