 The Hispanic population of Minnesota is increasing, much like in other parts of the United States and recent immigrants have come from all over the world, including Hmong, Somalis, Vietnamese, and emigrants from the former Soviet bloc.Immigration to Minnesota was fueled by the efforts of railroad companies and civic boosters who published books explaining Minnesota's virtues.New Minnesotans also sent letters back to the "old country" explaining the new hope and prosperity they had found in Minnesota.