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Sharif Abdirahman Mohamed

The Somali immigrants to Minnesota are still connected deeply to their homeland for several reasons – they are recent immigrants, the events there affect them directly, and some of them are struggling in the new land.

First, the Somalis began to immigrate to Minnesota in the early 90s, specifically 1993. Thus, it is just 17 years since they came here and that is relatively a short time. Many Somalis come to Minnesota with the mindset of going back to Somalia once things improve. They remain unsettled in their mindset.  That means that the first generation immigrants still have memories of peaceful and functioning Somalia and they want to go back some day. It is therefore difficult for them to give up on the good memories of growing up in their native country.

Secondly, the events in Somalia directly affect community members here. Generally speaking, every Somali supports someone in the homeland with remittance money. They therefore get the news of the country all the time. The Islamic religion and the Somali culture both encourage supporting your relatives and those in need. Also, there are different groups and factions fighting for power and that pressure also affect the community here in Minnesota. Many people travel regularly between the United States and Somalia.  In fact, there are those who want to bring about a positive change in terms of government and infrastructure.

Third, Some of the Somali immigrants in Minnesota are struggling with settling in their new homeland. Some of the community members were powerful and had a lot of respect and it is so depressing for them to lose everything and start all over again. Also, the huge difference in culture and weather makes it difficult for some Somalis to settle down in Minnesota.  For example, the religious practices are not well understood in Minnesota and there is constant struggle with prayer, fasting, Eid celebration, etc. Furthermore, some parents are so worried that their children might lose their heritage. So, they tell them this is not our homeland and we will go back someday. Will that day ever come? We do not know. Thus, memories of the homeland give them a sense of dignity and pride.

It must be mentioned that the Somali community has made a lot of progress in Minnesota. They have established businesses, contribute to the work force, and many of them are graduating from schools and university. Thus, the Somali experience in Minnesota is a positive one.

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