Middle Eastern turmoil and its effects on Metro Detroit

**Patrick** · July-16-14, 03:40 PM

The Middle East is going through a tumultuous stretch at this time. The conflict in Gaza, the rise of ISIS, and the interminable mess in Syria. How do you think the events in the Middle East affect Southeastern Michigan? I ask because SE Michigan has a significant Middle Eastern population with strong ties to that particular region of the world. Also, do you think the problems in the ME affect the local economy in SE Michigan to a noticeable extent?

**Cliffy** · July-16-14, 04:11 PM

No effect at all

**jlnascar** · July-16-14, 04:58 PM

gas is going down, so keep it up

**Hypestyles** · July-16-14, 10:45 PM

support the peace process!

**Pam** · July-17-14, 06:35 AM

Interfaith call for prayers for peace earlier this week:

http://www.clickondetroit.com/commun...-east/26948136

**iheartthed** · July-17-14, 07:58 AM

Turmoil in Iraq has usually meant an uptick in foreign immigration to the Detroit area. I doubt the Israeli-Palestinian conflict affects Detroit in a disproportionate way to the rest of the country.

**renf** · July-17-14, 08:06 AM

What is the evidence of an uptick in foreign immigration to the Detroit area?

**Detroitnerd** · July-17-14, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by renf

What is the evidence of an uptick in foreign immigration to the Detroit area?

We've had thousands of Iraqi refugees given asylum and relocated to metro Detroit.

**iheartthed** · July-17-14, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by renf

What is the evidence of an uptick in foreign immigration to the Detroit area?

In 2007, Michigan had the largest number of Iraqi immigrants [[36,172, or 35.3 percent), followed by California [[16,715, or 16.3 percent). Together, these two states accounted for 51.7 percent [[52,887) of all Iraqi-born immigrants. Illinois and Arizona also had large Iraqi-born populations.

http://www.migrationpolicy.org/artic...-united-states