Media could spend the rest of their days deconstructing rhetorical excesses from the imploding presidential campaign of former Arkansan Mike Huckabee.

But here’s one more: Vox blowing up the Huckster’s laugh line that desert-weathered Syrians wouldn’t want to settle in the U.S. because, hey, it’s cold in Minnesota.


Vox went to the facts. Turns out Minnesota is one of the most welcoming states for refugees. Top incoming country: Somalia. Then Myanmar. Then Iraq. These are all hot places. And others from those countries have been attracted to Minnesota after initial resettlement elsewhere in the U.S., too. Writes Vox:

Advertisement

It turns out that climate isn’t actually that important in determining whether refugees can successfully integrate into the US. As the MinnPost wrote earlier this year, citing a refugee policy expert from the University of Minnesota: “In deciding where to place refugees, agencies look for areas with strong local job markets, sufficient space in quality school districts, affordable housing, and a decent public transportation infrastructure.”

Contra Mike Huckabee, those are things Americans — even Minnesotans — can definitely provide.

 
An earlier article we posted noted that Arkansas and Mississippi are at the bottom of the U.S. heap in welcoming refugees. Hmmmm. Note bold-faced passage above. Jason Rapert and them like it this way.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Hindus apply for monument on Arkansas Capitol grounds Next article Scenes from the 2015 Whole Hog Roast