Day 146: Bhutanese Community, Fargo, North Dakota

📌APIA Every Day (146) -The Bhutanese community's presence in Fargo, North Dakota, began over a decade ago as part of a larger refugee resettlement program. Bhutanese refugees, of Nepali descent, were expelled from Bhutan after being expelled from their homeland due to ethnic and political tensions in the early 1990s. They lived in camps in Nepal without citizenship or integration opportunities; these issues led the the UN began resettling them in the U.S. and other countries in 2007. By 2013, over 66,000 had moved to the U.S., forming communities in states like Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia, California, and North Dakota, where about 70% live in Fargo.

Upon arrival in Fargo, the Bhutanese community quickly began to establish roots. They set up homes and started businesses that catered to both their cultural needs and the wider community. Community organizations have played a crucial role in the integration and support of the Bhutanese in Fargo. These organizations help with job training, language classes, and cultural events, fostering a sense of community and belonging. United Chinese Americans Fargo-Moorhead, although primarily serving Chinese Americans, exemplifies the type of support network that benefits all Asian communities in the area. These groups have been instrumental in helping the Bhutanese navigate their new environment and maintain their cultural heritage.

Despite facing occasional racism and microaggressions, the Bhutanese community in Fargo has generally found the city to be a welcoming place. Instances of violent hate crimes are relatively rare compared to other parts of the country. Many Bhutanese have taken advantage of Fargo's affordable housing and job opportunities, particularly in sectors like tech, medical, and manufacturing. This combination of economic opportunity and community support has allowed the Bhutanese in Fargo to not only survive but thrive, contributing significantly to the local economy and cultural landscape.

LEARN MORE:

LA Times: Where are Asian American communities growing the fastest? Not California

Grand Forks Herald: Bhutanese refugees see N.D. has a place to build a future

Pew Research Center: The Asian American population grew fastest in North and South Dakota between 2000 and 2019, but the more populated states saw the largest increases in overall numbers

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