...
By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Representative Tom Emmer, a Minnesota Republican, defended Somali immigrants to his constituents during a 2015 town hall, according to an episode of the podcast This American Life.
Emmer said on X on Sunday that he is calling for “the denaturalization and deportation of every Somali engaged in fraud in Minnesota.”
At the 2015 event, Emmer said, according to the podcast: “I'm going to tell you, the Somalis, according to the measurements that have been used over time, are some of the fastest-assimilating populations that we've had."
Read More on U.S.
Emmer also said, “If you're asking me how I feel about immigrant populations who are in this country legally, and who are actually trying to find a better way for themselves and their families, I support it wholeheartedly. I mean, the Germans had the same problem when they came over. The Polish had the problem. The Chinese had the problem.”
Newsweek reached out to Emmer’s office for comment.
...
Why It Matters
The focus on Minnesota comes after federal prosecutors have said that 59 people have been convicted of fraud in the state thus far, after more than $1 billion in taxpayer money was stolen. Investigations by state and federal officials are continuing, with concerns raised that the overall fraud could be even larger.
Earlier in December, one federal prosecutor said that $9 billion or more in federal funds allocated to 14 state-run programs since 2018 may have been stolen. Democratic Governor Tim Walz and other officials have disputed the amount, but acknowledge the scale of the issue and their determination to solve it.
The Trump administration and others in the Republican Party have recently made comments about Somalis living in the United States after a conservative news outlet, City Journal, claimed that taxpayer dollars from defrauded government programs were given to the Somali group al-Shabab.
“They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country,” President Donald Trump said during a Cabinet meeting earlier this month. “Their country is no good for a reason. Your country stinks, and we don’t want them in our country.”
Minnesota has the largest Somali community in the United States, many of whom fled during a civil war in the East African country.
What To Know
Emmer addressed concerns from some of his constituents about the growing Somali community at a town hall in St. Cloud in July 2015, according to This American Life.
“I'm going to say it out loud-- when you move to a community, as long as you are here legally, I am very sorry but you don't get to slam the gate behind you and tell nobody else that they're welcome. That's not the way this country works,” Emmer said, according to the podcast.
On Sunday, Emmer shared a statement on X about his call for the denaturalization and deportation of Somalis engaging in fraud in Minnesota.
“I have three words regarding Somalis who have committed fraud against American taxpayers: Send them home,” Emmer said. “If they’re here illegally, deport them immediately; if they’re naturalized citizens, revoke their citizenship and deport them quickly thereafter. If we need to change the law to do that, I will. Our nation will not tolerate those who take advantage of our charity and refuse to assimilate into our culture.”
What People Are Saying
Representative Tom Emmer, on X on Sunday: “Additionally, if any naturalized Somalis had undisclosed ties to terrorist organizations like Al-Shabaab, I want to see their citizenship revoked and their asses sent back immediately. Same goes for anyone who is found to have committed marriage fraud during the immigration process.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on X on December 12: “Through executive action, bipartisan efforts at the legislature, and collaboration with state agencies and outside experts, I’ve continued to take action to identify fraud and hold accountable those who take advantage of programs designed to help Minnesota’s most vulnerable.”
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines