In his book "Somalis in Minnesota," Ahmed Ismail Yusuf attributes the beginning of the influx of Somalis fleeing from war in Somalia and the availability of jobs in Minnesota compared to San Diego (an original destination for many Somalis due to the climate and terrain being similar to their home land). Heartland Food Co. in Marshall initially hired 4 Somalis on the spot in 1992 for poultry processing (specifically not pork) and word made it back to San Diego that jobs were available for Somalis. In addition, Yusuf cites the "inclusive political climate" laid out for refugee groups from Southeast Asia in the 1970s and 1980s, spearheaded by Walter Mondale and Hubert H. Humphrey in the extension of the Refugee Assistance Act in 1977 and a revision of that act in 1980.

Follow, why is it popular with Hmong immigrates as well?

From what I've heard its because of the Lutheran Social Services in Minnesota are very active in the resettlement programs and have strong standing in the Minnesota region.