Micronesians in NWA and the Region

[Mith242]

I think many of us have heard that Springdale has the largest Marshallese population outside the islands. But apparently there are also a number of Micronesians (a group of numerous Pacific islands countries). I think some of us realized that with the church shooting in Neosho. But apparently a number of Micronesians have also been moving to southwest Missouri as well. It also sounds like there's starting to be a growing number of the in northeast Oklahoma as well. Seems like our whole region is becoming a hot spot for a number of Micronesians. And unlike other groups that we hear a lot about, they are all here legally. Anyway just thought it was rather interesting to hear that's there more going on than just the Marshallese population in Springdale.

[Sammy00]

Seems like our whole region is becoming a hot spot for a number of Micronesians.

[Mith242]

That's just wierd.

What's the draw, I wonder?

[Mith242]

Looks like Arkansas, Oregon and Hawaii are trying to work together on the issue of the Marshallese. It's believed those three states have the largest populations in the US. Because they can come and go freely from their homeland there aren't very accurate counts on how many there are. They also want to work together on realizing the cultural differences between the two cultures. The Marshallese seem to have a distrust towards the medical system and don't go even if they have medical problems.

[thewizard16]

Looks like Arkansas, Oregon and Hawaii are trying to work together on the issue of the Marshallese. It's believed those three states have the largest populations in the US. Because they can come and go freely from their homeland there aren't very accurate counts on how many there are. They also want to work together on realizing the cultural differences between the two cultures. The Marshallese seem to have a distrust towards the medical system and don't go even if they have medical problems.

[Mith242]

Because the Marshallese can come and go as they wish there's not really any concrete figures on how many Marshallese there are in the US or here in NWA. But apparently they're going to try to conduct a census to get a better idea. They believe there's around 4,000 to 8,000 here in NWA which would make it the largest in the continental US. It also sounds like they're looking to set up a consulate. You'd think it would be located somewhere here in NWA. Although we have the state's largest Hispanic population but the Mexican consulate was located in Little Rock instead. There is a Marshallese outreach office at the Jones Center in Springdale. But the consulate won't be located at the Jones Center because it won't be a non profit organization. But with most of the population in Springdale you would think the most likely location would be there. But at this point I guess other locations are a possibility.