More Immigrants Find New Homes in South Dakota
- South Dakota's foreign-born population has tripled the national average in the past 12 years.
- The data is based on the American Community Survey Brief, indicating a significant increase.
- This trend showcases the state's growing diversity and appeal to immigrants.
Nassir Yemam, an Ethiopian refugee who relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in the early 2000s, expresses his appreciation for the American way of life. Despite a recent uptick in foreign-born residents, state demographer Weiwei Zhang notes that South Dakota's numbers remain modest compared to states like California and New York. Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of South Dakota, highlights that many individuals seek refuge in the U.S. due to life-threatening circumstances in their home countries. As of July 31, over 280 refugees have resettled in South Dakota during the fiscal year 2024, which began in October. The LSS Center for New Americans reports that the countries of origin for these refugees often shift in response to global conflicts. In 2023, the U.S. government sponsored more than 60,000 refugees, reinforcing the nation's tradition of welcoming those in need. Kiesow-Knudsen emphasizes the importance of integrating refugees into American society, stating that LSS plays a crucial role in this process. In a strategic move to enhance support for newcomers, the LSS Center for New Americans began merging with the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls in October 2022. Valeria Wicker, a leading supervisor at the center, underscores the vision of fostering a healthy, safe, and accepting environment for all South Dakotans, celebrating the community's diversity. The center provides essential services, including community orientation and English classes, to help refugees successfully adapt to their new lives.