Into America: Emporia, Kansas and its refugees

A few years ago Emporia, Kansas, population, 26,000, suddenly became home to hundreds of Somali refugees who came to work at the local Tyson meat processing plant.

When the plant cut shifts two years later, the new immigrants vanished as quickly as they had arrived. Their short-lived stay had a lasting impact on the community.

How do you think local communities can best prepare for refugee settlements? What do you think about Emporia's reaction?

Explore the interactive map below to view video reports, photographs, and Twitter updates from the road.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• franz strasser
• bbc news
• immigration
• emporia
• kansas

[tripleheshy]

@MegaMewho I wouldn't help those 9th century Trogladytes either. Ever been there?? I have and it's a culture I wouldn't wish on an enemy. Obviously you're fool enough to think they give a damn about a kafir like you or have you converted already. They are more welcomed in Dearborn, Michigan which is the unofficial capital of Muslim America. BTW, race played NO part in it. It's Islam they despise not blacks and I for one don't blame them one bit.

[Ahdrilynn]

Emporia is a great place! Some were u can be with everyone small town big heart! 1996-2009 birth to 12

[MegaMewho]

I lived in Emporia from 2005-2007 I have never met so many racist people in my life. Nobody tried to understand them nor help them. They were treated like a disease and everybody turned their back on the somalians. They could be dying on a doorstep and the people there would just close the door and turn away without so much as a thought or a care. I am ashamed to say i ever live in this dying disgrace of a town. Hopefully the somalians will find a place where they are more welcomed.