Emporia, Kansas and its refugees
A few years ago Emporia, Kansas, population, 26,000, suddenly became home to hundreds of Somali refugees who came to work at the local Tyson meat processing plant. When the plant cut shifts two years later, the new immigrants vanished as quickly as they had arrived. Their short-lived stay had a lasting impact on the community.
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How do you think local communities can best prepare for refugee settlements? What do you think about Emporia's reaction?
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Comment number 1.
At 22nd Jul 2010, Max_2004 wrote:Hey!
I think the "fear" of the unknown is a phenomenon which is widley spread and very human. If you see a piece of french cheese that has got edible mold around it, you won't really consider to eat it at first. But then, if you blank out all your concerns and give it a try, you might find this strange cheese suprisingly delicious. It is the same with foreign people you meet for the very first time. I think the descriptions offered by the woman from the hospital were very authentical. And despite the depature of Somali refugees it was a good experience for the poeple of Emporia and broadened their minds.
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