07-27-2007, 12:58 AM
AP
Detroit - Concerns have risen about whether southeast Michigan can absorb an expected 2,000 Iraqi refugees.
Some worry the influx will further strain an area where 169,000 people are already unemployed.
Federal officials say about half of the 7,000 Iraqis fleeing fighting in Iraq will eventually resettle in Michigan.
Warren Mayor Mark Steenbergh says the refugees will strain services and drag down an already struggling state economy.
But University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes says Iraqi refugees will bring with them advanced degrees and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Demographer Kurt Metzger says local Arabs and Chaldeans have a history of owning businesses and helping out newcomers. He says they also take jobs many Americans do not want.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article....ryid=78426
Detroit - Concerns have risen about whether southeast Michigan can absorb an expected 2,000 Iraqi refugees.
Some worry the influx will further strain an area where 169,000 people are already unemployed.
Federal officials say about half of the 7,000 Iraqis fleeing fighting in Iraq will eventually resettle in Michigan.
Warren Mayor Mark Steenbergh says the refugees will strain services and drag down an already struggling state economy.
But University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes says Iraqi refugees will bring with them advanced degrees and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Demographer Kurt Metzger says local Arabs and Chaldeans have a history of owning businesses and helping out newcomers. He says they also take jobs many Americans do not want.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article....ryid=78426