Somalis: A Decade in Lewiston

An look back at a decade of the Somalis in Lewiston: A bright future, today.

A four-month project by staff writer Andrew Cullen

The '00s were a dynamic decade in Lewiston as the city's population diversified considerably, beginning with the influx of Somali refugees in 2001 ♦ The community struggled, and still does at times today, as residents who lived here before are adapting and accepting the changing face of the city ♦ But the resilient Somali community has shown a steadfast dedication to their new hometown.

Continue reading ⟩

Timeline of the Somali integration

A decade later: The city, Somalis and spending

LEWISTON — Much has been made about Somali reliance on public assistance over the years. Since 2001, the larger community has struggled with questions concerning the city’s ability and desire to support recently arrived immigrants. Discussion at the first major public meeting h... 9

Vast majority of Somali immigrants arrived as refugees

LEWISTON — Virtually all of the Somalis who have come to Lewiston since January 2001 are legal residents of the United States. The vast majority arrived with refugee status, meaning they had lived in refugee camps ... 14