When Minnesota was a new state, thousands of settlers arrived, many of them from Europe. But in recent decades, the state has attracted large numbers of Hmong and Somali refugees. There are also thousands of people from India, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Mexico and the People’s Republic of China living in Minnesota.
The state has become more racially diverse in the last 10 years, and demographers said that's especially true among children. About 83 percent of Minnesotans were white, non-Hispanic for the 2010 census, compared to 88 percent in 2000.
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October 13, 2004 - As George Bush and John Kerry battle for the White House, they're discussing foreign policy, the war in Iraq and a variety of domestic concerns. But one issue they've been relatively silent on is immigration. Immigration advocates want the candidates to throw support behind several bills, including one that would help undocumented immigrant high school students go to college. Minnesota Public Radio's Toni Randolph reports.
October 14, 2004 - Last night thousands of Minnesotans sat in rapt attention as President Bush and Democratic nominee John Kerry spoke about the future of America. For some watching the debate, that future was exhilarating because they see themselves as part of it.That's the case for many of Minnesota's 60,000 or so Somali immigrants. Only about 20% of them are citizens and can vote. But whether they're first time voters or future voters, many are taking this presidential election very seriously. Mainstreet Radio's Annie Baxter spoke with several Somalis in St. Cloud after the debate.
October 15, 2004 - October 15 is the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. From now through November 12, Muslims around the world will observe Siyam,the fast, from sun-up to sun-down. We talked with three Minnesota Muslims about the significance Ramadan holds for them.
October 15, 2004 - Jews in Minnesota are celebrating a double anniversary. It's the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the first Jews in America and the 150th anniversary of the first to arrive in Minnesota. Minnesota playwright Joe Vass chronicles the experience of the immigrants in his latest work. The musical uses the Yiddish word for craziness "Mishegass" as it's title. The show is currently running in St. Cloud before opening in Minneapolis later this month.
October 25, 2004 - MPR’s Toni Randolph reports that English language classes are bursting at the seams in the Twin Cities. New arrivals to the United States have been packing the classes, eager to learn the primary language of their new homeland.
November 1, 2004 - With Election Day approaching, MPR’s Tim Pugmire looks at the basic rules for voting. While experienced voters know where to go and what to do, others will enter the voting booth for the first time and may be unsure about what it takes to exercise their democratic right.
November 2, 2004 - On the eve of election, MPR’s Dan Olson reports on how challenges to voters will work in the state. While most Minnesotan's will vote without a hitch, it's almost certain that hundreds will be challenged on their right to cast a ballot.