Refugee Life in the United States
However, this does not come without struggle. As mentioned previously, Somali Americans face a lot of criticism, hate and ignorance from certain communities in the US due to their religious practices and beliefs. There is fear and assumptions associated with Somali Americans that hinder their American experience. This kind of hate and ignorance makes it extremely difficult for Somali's to find their strength and ability to become involved in the communities they are placed, without discrediting themselves. According to various articles from supposedly reputable news sources Somali Americans have been accused of planning to join ISIS and other terrorist activity. [6] However, until these kinds of articles become viral, Somali Americans are somewhat forgotten and ignored in the US. Though they have organizations like VOLAGs to assist their transition to the Untied States, it can be difficult to gain a footing in the US and in their communities. According to the American Immigration Council, refugees are expected to have a job within 6 months after arrival. Supposedly, refugee men are employed at a higher rate than native born with 67% receiving jobs, an women are employed at the same rate as native women. [7] However, Somali refugees do not have such ease as these statistics depict. Because they receive no education in Somalia, have very low literacy or understanding of how American culture and lives function it is much more difficult for them to find jobs and integrate into the community. It is difficult to assess their happiness in the states, but in small cities with low cost of living, like Columbus Ohio and Minneapolis Minnesota Somali's seem to have the highest rates of satisfaction. [8]
As Somali's continue to come to the United States, however, integration and understanding of their culture will be broadened. Because they are a relatively new migrant to the US they are going through similar struggles of non-white, non-Christian immigrants that came before them one hundred years ago. Though this treatment is unfair, it will only get better with time, hopefully.
