Atlanta top choice for international refugees (Clarkston, Dallas: fit in, apartment, crime)

[kirkwoodhipster]

Since 2000, 302,214 international refugees have come to the U.S. Here are the top 10 cities and the number of refugees who moved there:

1. Atlanta...13,157
2. Saint Paul...12,123
3. Seattle...11,565
4. Miami...10,281
5. San Diego...7,589
6. Houston...7,499
7. Minneapolis...7,355
8. Chicago...6,216
9. Dallas...6,035
10. New York City...4,760

[lastminutemom]

Most refugees (as opposed to immigrants) don't choose for themselves. They are generally assigned to an agency that makes the choice for them. I have grave concerns about many of the agencies in Atlanta because they persistently insist on resettling their clients in Clarkston which has huge crime issues and perhaps some of the weakest public schools in the state. I don't know if you remember a few years ago, where it seemed like every week there was an apartment fire in Clarkston, often caused by the refugee family cooking in the bedroom.

I did recently speak to the head of once such agency and she did say that they are working to develop new options.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by kirkwoodhipster

Since 2000, 302,214 international refugees have come to the U.S. Here are the top 10 cities and the number of refugees who moved there:

1. Atlanta...13,157
2. Saint Paul...12,123
3. Seattle...11,565
4. Miami...10,281
5. San Diego...7,589
6. Houston...7,499
7. Minneapolis...7,355
8. Chicago...6,216
9. Dallas...6,035
10. New York City...4,760

I find it interesting that St. Paul and Minneapolis are on this list - for some reason (and frankly I'm not sure why) I perceive that most refuges are from warmer climate countries. Granted Chicago and NYC are on the list, but I can understand each of them being in the top 10. Any thoughts?

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

I find it interesting that St. Paul and Minneapolis are on this list - for some reason (and frankly I'm not sure why) I perceive that most refuges are from warmer climate countries. Granted Chicago and NYC are on the list, but I can understand each of them being in the top 10. Any thoughts?

Well, if the previous poster is correct and they are “assigned”, then it is probably just a matter of these cities having whatever mechanisms need to be in place that allow for additional assignments (over other cities).

[lastminutemom]

Again, not much choice is given to the refugees unless they have family members that are already here. I do think that the refugees are groups somewhat by country of origin.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by kirkwoodhipster

Since 2000, 302,214 international refugees have come to the U.S. Here are the top 10 cities and the number of refugees who moved there:

1. Atlanta...13,157
2. Saint Paul...12,123
3. Seattle...11,565
4. Miami...10,281
5. San Diego...7,589
6. Houston...7,499
7. Minneapolis...7,355
8. Chicago...6,216
9. Dallas...6,035
10. New York City...4,760

Isn't there a source that needs to be cited/linked to here? Not questioning the numbers, but I assume they aren't your own.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

Again, not much choice is given to the refugees unless they have family members that are already here. I do think that the refugees are groups somewhat by country of origin.

Why so many refugees here, then? I'm not opposed to it, just asking.

[AnsleyPark]

A friend of mine is heavily involved in RRISA, a refugee resettlement non-profit in Atlanta. If you are interested in learning more, here is the link to their site: Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services of Atlanta They really do extraordinary work, and appreciate help of all kind, whether it be financial (501c-3), a donation of clothing and household items (furniture, microwave, etc.) or a donation of your time.

[arjay57]

Thanks, Ansley, that's a terrific resource. The needs are really so great, and it reminds me that the things we take for granted can be life changing for others. We shut down an office several years ago and donated about a dozen computers to a refugee center in Clarkston. They weren't of any real value to us but the folks at the center were ecstatic.

[PKCorey]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

I find it interesting that St. Paul and Minneapolis are on this list - for some reason (and frankly I'm not sure why) I perceive that most refuges are from warmer climate countries. Granted Chicago and NYC are on the list, but I can understand each of them being in the top 10. Any thoughts?

I wouldn't be surprised, if its mostly people from Somalia for the number in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. They have a large community in that area.