Under Trump, Minnesota Prepares For Big Drop In New Refugees

The number of refugee arrivals in Minnesota is expected to drop significantly over the next year following new restrictions approved by President Donald Trump. In September, Trump cut the number of refugees allowed to enter the country to 45,000 for the 2018 fiscal year, less than half the amount permitted previously.

2018 regional refugee allocations:

• Africa: 19,000
• East Asia: 5,000
• Europe and Central Asia: 2,000
• Latin America/Caribbean: 1,500
• Near East/South Asia: 17,500

The United States' ban on travel from 11 countries, including Somalia, will also result in heavy reductions of refugee arrivals in the state. Minnesota is a primary resettlement destination for Somalia, and Minneapolis is home to the largest Somali population outside of the east African country.

“In my office, I am prepared for a big cut,” Michelle Eberhard of Arrive Ministries told the Star Tribune. Eberhard leads one of the metro's five resettlement agencies. "I would be really surprised if we get even close to that 45,000 number nationally."

Refugee resettlements have already fallen sharply since Trump ordered a four-month pause earlier this year. More than 3,000 refugees arrived in Minnesota in 2016. Less than 950 refugees will have resettled in the state in 2017.

Read much more at the Star Tribune.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Craig Lassig