Quote:
Originally posted by PhDiva
I think that the problems ladygreek is referring to in MN and other parts of the Midwest is a result of the refugee relocation agreement the U.S. has with Somalia. There was a relocation package for Vietnamese immigrants as well. Instead of creating relocation packages based on newer sources of funding, the fed and state gov't often take money from existing gov't sponsored programs, usually those ear-marked for the poor and/or those living in urban areas. These packages include full welfare and Medi-care benefits, reduced college tuition, work visas and section 8 housing.
PhDiva
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Just to be clear I am talking about private funding as well--foundations and corporate giving funds. The main reason seems to be that the results are easily seen early-on. Versus the amount of long-term funding needed in the American-born community to combat the vestiges of decades of racism.
Also let me state, that I did not become disenchanted with Somali immigrants until I personally and my staff were looked down upon, ignored, and treated rudely many times by the participants in my (Black) workplace's Somali program. It has nothing to do with feeding in to the oppressor. It has to do with stanky attitudes of we are better than you.
Also it is ironic that you mentioned the Vietnam refugees, because we have among the highest percentage of them here, too. (MN is a very liberal state in welcoming immigrants.) Once considered the ideal immigrant groups, they are the ones now perpetuating violence. And Southeast Asian gangs are no joke. The turmoil between and among clans--Hmong, Cambodian, Vietnamese, etc. is astounding. And the same thing is beginning to happen with the Somali clans.