Texas tops nation in relocated refugees, expanding cultural diversity in remote cities

Fatin Jasmin Naser Hussein, standing, of Iraq talks with Maria Figueroa of the Dominican Republic, left, and other classmates as they complete some work in a English as a second language class at the Alta Vista Learning Center, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, in Abilene, Texas. Texas has led the nation in refugee resettlements over the last four years and continues to attract others who move to the state on their own. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (The Associated Press)

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Teacher Teresa Price gives instructions as Maria Figueroa, left front of the Dominican Republic, Fatin Jasmin Naser Hussein, center front of Iraq, Padma Bhujel, left rear, and Pabi Maya Bhujel, both of Bhutan, take notes in a english as a second language class at the Alta Vista Learning Center, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, in Abilene, Texas. Texas has led the nation in refugee resettlements over the last four years and continues to attract others who move to the state on their own. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (The Associated Press)

Lalita Gurung, left, of India and Jaya B. Rai, right, from Bhutan, listen to instructions during a English as a second language class at the Alta Vista Learning Center, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, in Abilene, Texas. Texas has led the nation in refugee resettlements over the last four years and continues to attract others who move to the state on their own. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (The Associated Press)

AMARILLO, Texas – Texas has led the nation in refugee resettlements over the last four years and continues to attract others who move to the state on their own.

The majority resettle in large cities. But thriving immigrant populations can also be found in more remote areas such as Amarillo and Abilene, where subtle aspects of far-away cultures have taken root.

The U.S. State Department oversees the resettlement program, which places refugees across the country.

Texas gained about 7,200 refugees in a year span that ended September 2014. Federal statistics show Houston led the state with nearly 2,000 resettlements, followed by Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Texas' smaller cities have been accommodating the rest.