Local approval for refugee resettlement sparks heated debate in Minnesota counties

Dec 09, 20190

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Refugee resettlement has been a point of controversy in St. Cloud, where a growing Somali population has prompted some residents to protest changes. Above, residents packed a 2017 meeting to discuss a moratorium on refugee resettlement, which failed to pass.

Counties across Minnesota are scrambling to decide on whether to welcome refugees after President Donald Trump issued an executive order that requires local approval of any resettlement in their communities.

The measure is sparking tense discussion, confusion and some frustration among many local officials who find themselves thrust into a national issue - and needing to make a decision by the end of January.

http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-counties-scramble-to-decide-on-accepting-refugees/565955081/