1. Somali Immigration Presented By Desiree Firle Adria Hagg Rebecca Meyers Jordan Pierce

2. Somali immigrants and refugees Somali refugees began arriving in the US in 1993 Currently 50,000 Somalis living in Minnesota Majority of Somalis are Sunni Muslims Islam is Somali culture: sometimes contradicts American culture Islamic law says a man may have more than one wife Islamic law states that a man is duty bound to support his children Somalis live in multi-generational homes and often refer to themselves as clan groups

3. Civil War in Somalia War history Fall of the government in 1991 as President Barre was thrown out by clan-based forces. Continued conflict throughout the 1990’s, the UN leaves in 1995. Intense war eruption again in 2006. Mass migration from Mogadishu, two-thirds of the people abandoned the city. (Lindley, 2009) Over one million people have been displaced since 2006 and over three million in need of basic food and aid within the country. (Guhua-Sapir, 2009)

4. Immigration Act of 1990 Impact Increase immigration to the US Skilled worker levels Total immigration 540,000 to 700,000 Immigration Disbursement Family Sponsored: 465,000 Employment Based: 140,000 Spouses/Children of legalized immigrant: 55,000 Special Diversity Transition Programs: 40,000 Priority workers: extraordinary ability Professors, researchers, extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education or athletics. Given first preference. Advanced degree Skilled workers: have at least two years of training Special immigrants: those who could not immigrant through relatives or employment status Ministers, alien employees of US government Investors: investing at least $1 million in US business

5. Immigration Act impact on Somali Immigrants Pro’s Spurs scientific innovation and achievement within the United States which will benefit many people (Shusterman, 1991). Fight xenophobia within the United States (Migrants and Asylum Seekers). As investors Somali immigrants can enter the US Eleven new investments will generate over $8 billion and create 100,000 jobs in the US (Lee, 1992). The number of family visa’s are increased leading to reunification of Somali families. Asylum seekers are able to obtain temporary protection, those Somali immigrants who are not here legally and do not have refugee status can still petition to stay without returning to their country (Sudan Tribune, 2009).

6. Immigration Act impact on Somali Immigrants Con’s Increasing immigration will make it more difficult for American citizens to get jobs (Council on Foreign Relations) Interracial fear of immigration Black workers have been seen as lazy, untrainable, and dangerous. Businesses push hard for specific immigrants who will work for lower wages. It leads to abusive and unfair treatment of foreigners. Stigma related society among minorities Environmental threats of immigration

7. Immigration Stats Graph of immigration numbers of Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan 1990-2005 Immigration to the United States based on Continents 1990-2005

8. Current refugee stats and aidInformation obtained from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2010. Refugees There are 9.2 million refugees in the world The majority come from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia Refugee leave their home and reside in refugee camps until they return to their country or are permanently resettled in another country. Resettling in a new country is their last option. United States aid The United States allows less than 1% of the total refugee population into the country every year. About 79,000 yearly Given one month of support for rent, transportation, and food. After one month they go on TANF. Also given training, through NGO’s, in English, American culture, and how to use simple appliances. Can apply for their green card one year after US residency.

9. Normalization of immigration What will help Somalia immigration Better channels for legalization of Somali immigrants, giving them citizenship earlier. Multilingual resources and legalization mentor from their home country. Maintain current immigration levels Sufficient English training for refugees. Training for unskilled workers who go through the lottery. Less categorization about why the immigrants are here.