The UN reports that Russia - Ukrainian war has caused the fastest-growing displacement event since World War II with nearly one-third of Ukrainians being displaced due to the conflict. 5.9 million people were internally displaced and 5.7 refugees and asylum-seekers have spread out into Europe and into other parts of the world.
NPR recently published an article about some of these Ukrainian refugees who have immigrated to the United States in the midst of this conflict who are using a program providing two-year US work permits to Ukrainian nationals fleeing the war. West Virginia, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas and Alabama have also seen significant growth in their foreign-born populations.
While North Dakota may have colder winters than most of us are used to, the climate isn't too far off from the climate many Ukrainians are used to. These migrant workers provide a great source of labor for North Dakotan employers who are struggling to fill empty jobs in a location where many Americans don't want to move to in the midst of an already present national labor shortage.
Although migrant workers play vital roles in the medical, agriculture, manufacturing, education, and many more, these workers often are not always welcomed by the communities they support. They can face racist and xenophobic attitudes, protectionist mentalities, and a less than hospitable spirit.
As this NPR article explained, however, relationship breaks down these barriers and stereotypes. When people realize that migrant workers are simply people looking for better opportunities who have much to give to the local community their hesitation to engage with immigrant populations diminish.
May we all work to identify the needs and desires of the immigrants in our own backyards!
Jiwa International is working specifically to identify and support the needs of migrant Indonesian works in Southern Taiwan. Click here to get involved!
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