Target 24: Refugee Numbers in Erie County

November 20, 2012 - Refugees from around the world are thousands of miles from home, living here in Erie.

    They're working hard to adapt to a completely different way of life.

    They come from Iraq, Myanmar, and many other lands.

    Thousands of Bhutanese faced ethnic persecution and left their land for refugee camps in Nepal.

    They are here working hard so they can live their American dream. 

    Between 2002 and 2012 thousands of refugees have flocked to Erie.

    According to Meriam-Webster's Dictionary, a refugee is defined as one that flees; especially a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution.

    From Bhutan and Nepal, 1,684 refugees have settled in Erie.
From Burma, 506 refugees are in Erie.

    From Iraq, 248 refugees have come to Erie.

    131 refugees from Ukraine call Erie home.

    And 121 are in Erie from Somalia.

    But why are they settling in Erie?

    According to Paul Jericho from the MulticulturalCommunityResourceCenter, Erie has an affordable cost of living and has been highly recommended by refugees who have settled here and contacted their families back home.

    Refugees get jobs in Erie at places including Presque Isle Downs and Casino, various hotels and manufacturing jobs.

    Experts say they are hard working individuals and understand what's important to succeed.
"With their children, they understand that education is important and education they stress education because they know education is the way to a successful life," Jericho said. "And they know coming as first generation they're going to have to work hard to make it here. So they bring a strong work ethic."

    MCRC helps refugees become financially stable.

    They also work with them to perfect their English speaking skills.