President Donald Trump made derogatory remarks about the Somali community in Minnesota, labeling them as “garbage” and asserting that they contribute nothing to the economy. This notion is also widely shared in right-wing media outlets.
These comments sparked widespread outrage among Minnesotans, who rallied to denounce the hateful rhetoric as racist and xenophobic. In light of this controversy, it is essential to highlight the significant contributions of Somali Minnesotans to the state’s economy, supported by data from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), insights from economic experts, and voices from the community.
According to Dr. Bruce Corrie, a prominent economist and business expert based in the Twin Cities, the Somali community plays a crucial role in Minnesota’s economic landscape. Dr. Corrie, a faculty member at Concordia University, St. Paul, focuses on minority businesses and their impact on the broader economy. He reveals that Somali Minnesotans generate at least $500 million in income annually and contribute approximately $67 million in state and local taxes. Furthermore, the Somali community has an estimated economic impact of $8 billion on Minnesota’s economy, with a GDP contribution of around $12 billion. Dr. Corrie emphasizes that the work of Somali Minnesotans creates significant ripples throughout the economy, underscoring their essential role.
The workforce of Somali Minnesotans is diverse and spread across various sectors, reflecting their adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. They are employed and have created businesses in critical areas such as transportation, healthcare, retail, insurance, education, hospitality, and law enforcement.
Community voices have also come forward to combat misinformation and highlight the contributions of Somali Minnesotans. Abdullahi Farah, a community organizer and father of four, stresses the importance of recognizing the facts. He asserts, “We contribute to the economy of this country and the state of Minnesota and pay our fair share of taxes.” Abdullahi added that his siblings are hardworking individuals and responsible taxpayers.
Abdullahi has been one of the leading organizers of community rallies, denouncing hateful rhetoric and warning that such comments could lead to an increase in Islamophobic attacks against Muslims, particularly Somalis. He recalls that when President Trump made similar hateful statements about Muslims in 2017, it culminated in the bomb attacks on the Darul Farooq Islamic Center.
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) website, the immigrant population in Minnesota has grown significantly, with nearly 490,000 foreign-born residents as of 2023, making up 8.6% of the state’s total population. This demographic shift underscores the critical role that immigrants, including Somali Minnesotans, play in the workforce. Currently, nearly 11% of Minnesota’s workers are immigrants, showcasing their vital contributions to the labor market.
The Somali community represents one of the largest immigrant populations in Minnesota. Nearly 58% of them are U.S.-born citizens, and nearly 90% of the remaining Somalis are naturalized U.S. citizens.
