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Considering relocating to Casper Wyoming from Michigan, seeking honest assessment of demographics, influx of illegal immigrants to Casper, illegal immigration effect on wages
I have been researching Casper as a possible destination to move to as soon as I can jump off of this sinking ship called Michigan. One observation that I have made about Casper is that its demographics have changed radically between 2000 and 2005. According the statistics that I have read, there has been an influx of between 20,000 to 30,000 Mexicans into Casper during that five year span. Given the state of our southern border I feel that I am justified in assuming that the majority of these "folks" are illegal immigrants. Has this population had a negative effect on the wages that employers are williing to pay?
We have had a similar situation in southern Michigan that has caused wages in small factories to stay aroung $7.00 an hour. In addition to the wage problem there has been an explosion in gang related crime and violence. The Latin Kings seem to be responsible for most of the violence. Has Casper seen an increase in crime or a deterioration in the quality of life in the last five years? I would truly welcome an honest assessment.
Last edited by I_Brennus; 11-25-2006 at 09:32 AM..
Reason: spelling
I left casper two years ago. There is not 20,000 to 30,000 mexicans in the whole town of casper. And sure isn't a influx. The town is about 50,000 maybe alittle more. There are only two "big" towns in wyoming. Cheyenne and casper both have around 50,000 each, more or less. Casper has the usual crime for a town it's size. But it in not just a minority issue. You got white, black,american indian, asian, as well as mexican. You will find anyone that has been in wyoming for at least 4 or 5 years. Won't just act like a whipped dog at the sign of trouble. I.E. mugging, breakins, fights, trouble in general. Alot of them step in and help till the law gets there. There is still a pride in the people of the state as humans not sheeple that alot of the rest of the u.s. is turning into.
The people in wyoming and montana do "stand tall". And are very proud of who and where they are. That's why I want to move back as soon as possible. I like living among them.
Im my opinion most of the problem in michigan is the union's grip in the industries that is/were their bread and butter. And your liberal government.
I'm not sure where you got your information but there has not been an influx of 20,000 to 30,000 Mexicans in Casper. There aren't many more people in town than that! Wyoming people do "stand tall" and are proud of their state. It is a great place to live. Casper itself is a good town. As was said it does have the crime for a city that size but the people are friendly, the jobs are plentiful and you can't beat WY for a place to live.
I left casper two years ago. There is not 20,000 to 30,000 mexicans in the whole town of casper. And sure isn't a influx. The town is about 50,000 maybe alittle more. There are only two "big" towns in wyoming. Cheyenne and casper both have around 50,000 each, more or less. Casper has the usual crime for a town it's size. But it in not just a minority issue. You got white, black,american indian, asian, as well as mexican. You will find anyone that has been in wyoming for at least 4 or 5 years. Won't just act like a whipped dog at the sign of trouble. I.E. mugging, breakins, fights, trouble in general. Alot of them step in and help till the law gets there. There is still a pride in the people of the state as humans not sheeple that alot of the rest of the u.s. is turning into.
The people in wyoming and montana do "stand tall". And are very proud of who and where they are. That's why I want to move back as soon as possible. I like living among them.
Im my opinion most of the problem in michigan is the union's grip in the industries that is/were their bread and butter. And your liberal government.
I got my information from the Wyoming Business Council's website www.WhyWyoming.org. The information posted on this site states that in 2000 Natrona County had a hispanic population of 3,257. The site also shows that in 2005 the hispanic population of Natrona county was 34,043 which is a population increase of 30,786. If this information is correct, then according to Mr. Webster's definition of the word and my understanding of it, this would be the epitome of an "influx." If what you say is correct, then the Wyoming Business Council's website contains a major typographical error.
I never stated, nor do I beleive that crime is just a minority issue but I am not so naive as to beleive that it is not a factor among many other factors. I grew up too close to Detroit to suffer from any delusions to the contrary. Illegal immigration is a problem in this country and the immigrants demonstrate that they have a disregard for the law by their very presence. If as you say it isn't as rampant in Wyoming as it is in Michigan then that is a plus.
With your statements regarding unions in Michigan you were preaching to the choir. I was a member of two worthless unions that did nothing for me but steal two hours of wages every week. As for our liberal government that is a major reason for my desire to leave this state. When the people of Michigan gave our Canadian socialist Governor a second term after she drove a great state into the ground I decided it was time for me to leave.
As for "Standing tall, " If you try to step in and help until the law arrives in Michigan, it is very likely or even more likely that you will end up in jail. You can't stand tall and stick up for yourself here because you will be charged with assault and then you can never buy a gun again(Which is exactly what they want). I beleive that a person should have the fundamental right to defend themselves and their families and to protect them not only from physical harm but from boorish behavior as well. This is no longer the case. When I was a child my father punched a guy in the mouth and escorted him out a movie theatre because he had said the "F" word in front my mother and I. Today my Dad would go to jail and get sued by the punk.
I was in casper this april for two weeks working, casper is about 54,000 yes the hispanic population is noticable, but at only 10-15% id say far from the amount you mension. maybe the whole state. I agree that they seem tobe the majority of the crime across the country. nation wide the majority of criminals in jail are hispanic and most are illegals. I think that was on lou dobbs show awhile back. the good thing is in WY the cowboys and indians have guns also.
I got my information from the Wyoming Business Council's website www.WhyWyoming.org. The information posted on this site states that in 2000 Natrona County had a hispanic population of 3,257. The site also shows that in 2005 the hispanic population of Natrona county was 34,043 which is a population increase of 30,786. If this information is correct, then according to Mr. Webster's definition of the word and my understanding of it, this would be the epitome of an "influx." If what you say is correct, then the Wyoming Business Council's website contains a major typographical error.
I never stated, nor do I beleive that crime is just a minority issue but I am not so naive as to beleive that it is not a factor among many other factors. I grew up too close to Detroit to suffer from any delusions to the contrary. Illegal immigration is a problem in this country and the immigrants demonstrate that they have a disregard for the law by their very presence. If as you say it isn't as rampant in Wyoming as it is in Michigan then that is a plus.
With your statements regarding unions in Michigan you were preaching to the choir. I was a member of two worthless unions that did nothing for me but steal two hours of wages every week. As for our liberal government that is a major reason for my desire to leave this state. When the people of Michigan gave our Canadian socialist Governor a second term after she drove a great state into the ground I decided it was time for me to leave.
As for "Standing tall, " If you try to step in and help until the law arrives in Michigan, it is very likely or even more likely that you will end up in jail. You can't stand tall and stick up for yourself here because you will be charged with assault and then you can never buy a gun again(Which is exactly what they want). I beleive that a person should have the fundamental right to defend themselves and their families and to protect them not only from physical harm but from boorish behavior as well. This is no longer the case. When I was a child my father punched a guy in the mouth and escorted him out a movie theatre because he had said the "F" word in front my mother and I. Today my Dad would go to jail and get sued by the punk.
I think it's a major typo. You can stick up for yourself here - within reason of course.
I've lived in Casper for 10 years, I rarely see any hispanic people, I speak spanish and love traveling to South America and Mexico, so I wouldn't mind having hispanic friends, but I do not often see much diversity around.
Some notes on Casper, the bad, it gets windy here, and we have neg. temps in the winter, and winter sometimes means April. The summer can break 100 degrees for a week or two, and fall is really pretty with the aspens on the mtn. changing. There is a meth problem, but that seems to be across the country, there are a lot of bars for a town this size, it is a blue-collar type of place so fine dining is limited and you can't see an opera. We rarely get big name concerts, when we do it is usually country music. The jobs don't pay great in entry-level or general work type of fields, but fast food seems to start at $7 to $9 and walmart hires for $7.40 to $12 depending on the position, if you have a degree, can do oilfield, or electical, construction, concrete, ect. you will start at $12 on the low end, most people in those fields are actually making 35-50,000+ a year, but with experience. Houses can be found for under 200,000 still, but not in new constuction. Evansville (which is the North-east side of Casper) is building 200+ new homes in a better price range, but that has just started. The great things about Casper are the 2 resevoirs close by, a mtn. view, a bike path and river with a white water park, shopping, and eating out offer more variety than they used to for Casper, we just got a new (2nd)walmart, an Old Chicago's, and a Petco and Sportsman's warehouse. There are friendly people, little traffic, big skies, many sunny days, summer is great here, there is a 2 yr. college, and you can get across town in 20 minutes. I would avoid buying on S.McKinely, North Casper,the Lathrop trailer court, and the 100 to 900 blocks of S. Ash to S.Poplular, I rented in those areas when I was younger and had noisy parties, run-down houses nearby, and we don't have much crime, but the thefts, domestic violence, and drug charges come out of those ares more than others. The seniors in North Casper keep up with their homes and many paople are buying places there and fixing them up. Mills, a town on the west is mostly indusrial and trailer parks, it is not very pretty compared to other areas, but that is a matter of taste.
I think you will fit right in ! And it must be a typo. Come on out ! Wyomiles
The more I learn about Wyoming, I beleive that I would fit in. Harsh winters are nothing new to anybody from Michigan. It may not get quite as cold here but we have what is known as lake effect snow storms that result from being surrounded on three sides by the Great Lakes. These storms can be brutal with 3 or 4 plus feet of snowfall overnight (I remember almost six feet overnight back in 78).
From IJWYO's post it sounds like the crime is similar in nature to what we have in southern MI but on a smaller scale than we have.
Before I was laid off by SBC I made 56.000 a year with my night shift differential, working in a call center doing customer service. That was three years ago. Now I supervise 45-50 people in a call center for $8.00 an hour. I would take any job that started at $10.00 to $12.00 an hour. I was a prison guard years ago. I would consider that line of work again if I'm not too old (39).
I stay away from bars so it doesn't bother me that Casper has quite a few. I don't care if I ever see an opera and if I want fine dining, I'll fire up the smoker and throw on a pork shoulder or two.
The information about where to rent and where not to rent is greatly appreciated. I might still end up in a seedier part of town until I can afford better. I am going to try to get there by summer with the help of God.
I think you will find work just fine, and we have many churches and non-bar type of activities, too. I would refer you to Metro Coffee on S.David downtown for a good paper, computer access, and a great cup of coffee. I think that you'll like it here, I know a couple from michigan and the are happy. If you need a hotel when you first get in I would avoid the ones on "A" street by the railroad tracks, I would call the Showboat, Shilo, or Motel 6 for a cheap and clean stay. In summer, bring your camping gear and go to BearTrap park on Casper Mtn., there is a fee $5 per tent, but it might give you another option while you tour rentals, and you can sign up at the local ymca or rec. center for showers, that might be a little too hippy for you, but moving is not cheap! Best of luck and watch for critters on the hwy.!
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casper - Mexicans
