Since 1980 when the Refugee Act of 1980 was passed, the U.S. has resettled approximately three million refugees. Once here, refugees can work, go to school, and become U.S. citizens within five years.
They may move to be closer to other immigrants -- as many Iraqis have done to join Michigan's Arab-speaking communities.
They may organize to build their political power -- as Somalis have done successfully in Minnesota.
They may be forced to interact and integrate with an existing refugee population -- as with Syrians in Florida where a Cuban community is settled.
This project explores those three unique communities in Michigan, Minnesota, and Florida and how domestic resettlement patterns are shaping the narrative of refugees in the U.S.