Eau Claire Refugee Resettlement Generates Contention
Welcoming Plan Met with Controversy
Formerly the disputed homeland, in 2004 an uproar ignited in the rural village of Tulle after news that 75 refugees — mostly from central Africa — would be resettling there as new farmers. A project aimed at welcoming and aiding the newcomers has split the community, with widespread opposition from neighbouring rural areas.
Then Came The Xenophobic Billboards
In October, billboards charging the city with concealing information on Somali refugees sprouted all over Eau Claire. In a deeply offensive and completely untrue statement, they alleged taxpayers were funding human trafficking. City Council President Emily Berge released a statement said she was “shocked” and “disappointed,” and calling the accusations xenophobic and seemingly totally at odds with our city values.
But Trump supporter Matthew Bocklund, who helped pay for the billboards, said he stands by the message. He thought it woke people up to what he called the “true condition.”
Problems protesters have, if crime culture and conspiracy go wrong
The settlement sparked protest by an organized, vocal group of mostly rural Wisconsinites. They expressed fears of rising crime and the spread of disease, as well as concerns that Shariah law might be imposed. A few protestors claimed the migrants were destroying Middle America as they wrote.
Several also repeated conspiracy theories, with one commenter saying Muslim immigrants want to “destroy Western civilization from within.” The fears, despite evidence and assurances from local officials, ran deep.
A Community Ready to Help: Support for the Refugees
The opposition was loud — but many Eau Claire residents, including area churches and non-profits, embraced the refugees. Travis Albrecht, pastor of Valleybrook Church, spoke to that part of Hazelwood too. He said helping others was a core part of the city’s history and that by doing nothing to help, it was turning its back on people in need, like any citizen would face when they are at their lowest.
In addition, municipal officials sought the arrival of refugees as a possible solution to a manpower problem in the city. Eau Claire was on the upswing, its standing as one of the country’s most livable places in full bloom, and even notoriously canny city leaders were convinced more transplants would add diversity to the region.
Fake News and Financial Worries
They began showing up at public meetings to demand answers about government support and services for refugees. Allotted to each refugee was $1,325 for his or her first 90 days and more support for five years beyond that. Opponents contended that housing costs are on the rise, and San Francisco should address its homeless population before caring for newcomers.
Misinformation drove many of the arguments, notwithstanding these concerns. It should be noted that refugees are pre-screened for up to 18 months by the federal government before arrival in Eau Claire and have legal rights to be physically present in the U.S. Nevertheless, the anti-immigrant sentiment too frequently lumped refugees in with illegal immigrants, muddying up that picture.
Fear of Change and Divided Community
Change was the controversy at its core. While Eau Claire, a mostly white progressive city welcomed the refugees with open arms, rural surrounding areas attempted to shut out the huddled masses whom they saw as an assault on their simple way of life. The complexity of her state sometimes made it difficult to find a common understanding, said Pastor Albrecht from Wisconsin where rural met city.
As the protests grew, so did counterarguments by supporters arguing that the refugees would bring an economic boost and cultural vibrancy to the region. However, the division between those embracing change and those resisting it continued to prove a key obstacle.
Take-home point: Refugees are a workforce solution
The arrival of refugees was seen as a kind of firewall in the future by many, but not all, Eau Claire residents. Scott Rogers, a chamber of commerce representative, said workforce shortages are a top concern. These new residents could potentially help with this problem, as well as contribute to the growth and diversity of the city.
President Trump suspended refugee resettlement temporarily, although it is a process that takes about 24 months and must be regulated under the Refugee Act of 1980 which still stands today. Not a chapter, but the next volume in their lives; the community’s beliefs and strength of spirit were tested.