Recent negative remarks about Somali Americans have stirred frustration and disappointment. But it is important to remember a fuller and more honest history. Some of the strongest allies Somalis ever had in the United States were Republican presidents and lawmakers whose leadership rose above division.
Recent negative remarks about Somali Americans have stirred frustration and disappointment. But it is important to remember a fuller and more honest history. Some of the strongest allies Somalis ever had in the United States were Republican presidents and lawmakers whose leadership rose above division.
๐๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ ๐ช ๐๐๐๐ต offered one of the clearest examples. When Somalia fell into famine and chaos in 1991 and 1992, he launched Operation Restore Hope, a humanitarian campaign that saved millions of Somali lives. He framed it as a moral duty. His decision showed compassion, not politics.
๐ฅ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ๐ป firmly believed that America represents a second chance for those fleeing hardship. Under his leadership, the United States welcomed refugees and supported immigrants who wanted to rebuild their lives. His message was simple. America grows stronger when it opens doors, not when it closes them.
๐๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ช ๐๐๐๐ต continued that tradition. In the tense days after 9/11, when Muslim families feared collective blame, he visited a mosque and stated that Islam is a religion of peace. He urged Americans not to target innocent communities. His words mattered, and they helped protect many families.
๐๐ผ๐ต๐ป ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป also stood out as a voice of integrity. He supported immigration reform and saw newcomers as contributors to the American story. He believed in fairness and respected every community he met.
These examples remind us that the Republican Party once had leaders who valued immigrants, defended minorities, and spoke with dignity even in difficult times.
The Somali community in Minnesota and across the United States continues to make meaningful contributions in health care, transportation, business, education, and public service. One personโs comments cannot erase a legacy built by millions of hardworking families or the leaders who once stood with them.
Public conversation should rise to the level of those earlier examples. Leadership should bring people together, not divide them. America is at its best when every community feels valued and protected.
Dr. Abdikasim Ali, PhD, MLS
