Sudanese in New England  

Sudanese have settled through the United States, many in large population centers like Boston, Denver, Chicago and Houston. But many settled in the smaller cities such as Lewiston, and Portland, Maine, Burlington, Vermont and Manchester, New Hampshire.  Such cities offer an array of social services, housing choices, public transportation and a diversity of employment opportunities. 

Since 1983 roughly 4,500 refugees* arrived in New Hampshire, and others may likely have moved into the state after initially being resettled elsewhere in New England or in other sections of the country. Our own Life for Sudan board member and Vice-President, Peter Nhiany, was first resettled from a refugee camp in Kenya to Utica, New York.  After a short time he chose to relocate himself to Manchester, NH for enhanced job and educational opportunities and because he had some family in the area. 

Approximately a third of all refugees arriving in New Hampshire have originated from the continent of Africa: about 13% from Sudan, 7% from Somalia, and another 13% from other African countries like the Congo and Liberia.  The current Sudanese population in New Hampshire has been estimated at between 400 to 500, but there are no official figures. 

Immigrants and refugees initially receive assistance from state agencies and Christian aid agencies (such as Lutheran Social Services or Catholic Charities) for housing, employment interviewing skills, and English as a Second Language (ESL) training.  Such services are generally available for about a year at most, and in many cases really only for about the first three months after they arrive. 

Like many other African people groups, the Sudanese tend to assimilate fairly well, finding employment quickly wherever they settle. As a group they place a great emphasis on education. Most received some primary education in Sudan or in refugee camps before coming to the U.S.  Once here, they make education a priority, with a college education often a distinct and specific goal. Many are only held back by the lack of financial resources needed for pursuing a higher education.    

In New Hampshire, Sudanese individuals and families tend to get involved in churches. In Manchester St. Augustine and St. Anne Catholic parish and Grace Episcopal Church hold African services each Sunday. And other Sudanese attend other Protestant churches in the area, including both Bethany Covenant in Bedford and Concord Covenant in Concord. They report finding a wealth of support from friendly, caring people.  

*Immigrants are those who are not citizens or nationals of the United States but voluntarily leave their country of origin to live here. Those here in the U.S. temporarily for work or education purposes are not counted as immigrants. Refugees must meet the legal definition of the federal Immigration and Neutrality Act (INA) of 1952 which specifies that an individual has fled their country of origin and cannot return because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution.  After one year in the U.S. a refugee is a legal permanent resident and can begin their application toward U.S. citizenship.