How do most somali people come to live in US - Are abroad living as refugees from violence?

Most Somali people in the United States are either refugees or immigrants.

Somalis began immigrating to the United States in large numbers in the 1990s, fleeing the civil war in their home country. The United States has been a major destination for Somali refugees because of its large Somali community, its relatively strong economy, and its history of welcoming refugees.

Somalis primarily entered the US via family reunification, refugee resettlement, and diversity visa programs.

Family reunification

Refugees and asylees who are granted permission to live in the United States have the right to petition for certain relatives to join them in the United States. These immigrants receive green cards through a process called family reunification.

Refugee resettlement

After applying and passing a security background check, refugees are admitted into the US through a refugee resettlement process through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). There are nine national resettlement agencies that assist refugees who are admitted into the US each year. These agencies help refugees integrate successfully into American society through services like housing assistance and language classes.

Diversity visa program

Every year, the United States grants up to 50,000 permanent residency visas to individuals who meet certain requirements. These requirements include being native of countries with relatively low rates of immigration to the United States. Somalis are eligible for diversity visas because Somalia has a low rate of immigration to the US.

Somalis who come to the United States as refugees or immigrants often face challenges such as language barriers, discrimination, and poverty. However, they also bring with them a rich culture and a strong work ethic. They have made significant contributions to the United States, both economically and socially.

Somalis have settled in many different parts of the United States, but the largest Somali communities are in Minnesota, Ohio, Washington state, and California. As of 2018, there are over 150,000 Somali people living in the United States.