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As Congress moves forward with immigration reform, we take a look at how this issue connects to culture, business and families in the Northwest.Our region is home to a unique blend of immigrants who work in all parts of our economy — from high-tech to agriculture. This population already has a deeply-rooted history here. And its ranks are expanding rapidly.Proposals for comprehensive immigration reform address border security, employment verification, guest-worker programs and pathway to citizenship for an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the US.

Somali-Americans Worry About How They Will Support Their Families Abroad

Ross Reynolds talks with Degan Ali, executive director of the African charity and development agency, Adeso, about the difficulties Somali-Americans face when sending money to their homelands.

Somalia doesn't have any banks, so transfers are more informal. American banks are increasingly refusing to facilitate the transfers for fear that money will go to the terrorist group, al-Shabaab. But 40 percent of the Somali economy relies on money transfers, which supports people suffering from famine and the fallout of war.