Somali refugees. (Cheyenne: 2014, university, living)

[westcoastforme]

Can anyone give me any insight as to what negative impacts or positive impact the Somalian refugees have displayed to the state of Wyoming, specifically Cheyenne.

[Ltdumbear]

Seems only logical to me, that most 'Xenophobic' people would be (naturally) 'wary' of them. That is simply 'human-nature', and one would assume that said-Somalian refugees would have considered this BEFORE relocating here to U.S. Soil.

I think I have encountered a small-handful of them working fast-food restaurants (here in Wyoming) and once (while I was working a temp-job down in Kansas, a few yrs ago) I had three 'Burkah-clad' women approach me (in the auto-section) at a Wallmart in Garden City, asking me for 'advice' on what type of oil-filter they needed for a Chevy Avalanche they were driving around, while attending University there. I found the filter they wanted, one lady reached out and very gracefully took it from me, nodded politely, and they were gone in a quiet 'swish' of dark-colored fabric.

Since then, I have learned that we have a sizeable Muslim-population working in our slaughter/packing-plants; not sure why...I guess it could be that they want to ensure that a certain amount of beef/poultry is slaughtered in 'ritual' fashion ? Makes sense to me, but I work in the 'production' side of beef (raising and feeding) so I'll never know for sure.

On all accounts, they seem like very nice people, just like anyone else walking around (out in the open) and breathing oxygen.

I think the 'trick' to earning and 'exuding' acceptance (between differing cultures) is to get out there, be polite and be 'yourself'. We are all human, we all eat, use the toilet and put our pants on one leg at a time (afterwards) so...if one is to assume that current-rates of 'globalization' is only going to increase...I guess we have no choice but to 'roll with it' as best we can.

If, however...one of them starts running at me with an un-sheathed knife, or aims a weapon at me yelling "OLIVE-SNACK-BAR !" then it's a foregone-conclusion you'll be reading or hearing about the outcome, on the news later that day.

[Rescue3]

This issue was raised in November 2014 on this very board. Here is the thread:

//www.city-data.com/forum/wyomi...now-about.html

I think we pretty much defanged this serpent back then...

[Wm Jas]

Check the net for "Lewiston, Maine".

I haven't, but I know what you will find.

[Wyoming_Medic]

I've lived in Wyoming my whole life, and traveled to every corner hundreds of times for work.

I cannot definitively say that I have met a Somali refugee.

My take is that they've had no impact and are simply doing what humans do . . .living.

[branDcalf]

Originally Posted by Wyoming_Medic

I've lived in Wyoming my whole life, and traveled to every corner hundreds of times for work.

I cannot definitively say that I have met a Somali refugee.

My take is that they've had no impact and are simply doing what humans do . . .living.

And if they move after a time, it is likely because what Wyoming has to offer doesn't interest them. The weather. The types of work available. The types and availability of shopping and/or entertainment.

I hear a variety of reasons from people who decide not to stay.

[Ltdumbear]

"I hear a variety of reasons from people who decide not to stay."

Mostly that Wyoming is not nearly 'progressive' or 'diverse' enough, to serve their purposes.

The complaint I hear the most, is that (compared to other states) we are 'behind the times'...

...which never ceases to elicit a chuckle or two, from me...because I, myself am not among the 'fast-paced/busy-lifestyle' crowd, who seem so enamored of this all-encompassing/over-powering NEED to 'keep up' with everyone/everything going on all around them.

[Froggie Legs]

Near where I live in MN there is a large population of Somalian refugees, and other than one having tried to go over to join ISIS, there hasn't been any problem. I've had several of the young people in class, again with no issues/problems.

“The secret to not being afraid is to understand what scares you” ― Deborah Wiles

[pedro wyoming]

The reason they are congregating in Cheyenne is that it is easier to qualify for handouts there than in Colorado.