Somali immigration power point
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Transcript of Somali immigration power point
Somali Immigration
Presented ByDesiree FirleAdria HaggRebecca MeyersJordan Pierce
Somali immigrants and refugeesSomali 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 cultureIslamic law says a man may have more than one wifeIslamic 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
Civil War in SomaliaWar 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)
Immigration Act of 1990 ImpactIncrease immigration to the US
Total immigration 540,000 to 700,000
Immigration DisbursementFamily Sponsored: 465,000Employment Based: 140,000Spouses/Children of legalized immigrant: 55,000Special Diversity Transition Programs: 40,000
Skilled worker levels
Priority workers: extraordinary abilityProfessors, researchers, extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education or athletics. Given first preference.
Advanced degreeSkilled workers: have at least two years of trainingSpecial immigrants: those who could not immigrant through relatives or employment status
Ministers, alien employees of US governmentInvestors: investing at least $1 million in US business
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 USEleven 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).
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 immigrationBlack 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
Immigration StatsGraph of immigration numbers of
Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan 1990-2005Immigration to the United States based on
Continents 1990-2005
19901991
19921993
19941995
19961997
19981999
20002001
20022003
20042005
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
Somalia EthiopiaKenyaSudan
19901991
19921993
19941995
19961997
19981999
20002001
20022003
20042005
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
EuropeAsiaAfricaOceaniaNamericaSamerica
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.
Normalization of immigrationWhat 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.