Announcing a New Approach to Working with Minnesota’s Refugee & Immigrant Communities
February 20, 2020
The state of Minnesota has a strong commitment to welcoming new immigrants and refugees. In December, Governor Walz sent a letter to the Trump Administration reinforcing that Minnesota will continue to welcome refugees, saying: “Refugees strengthen our communities. Bringing new cultures and fresh perspectives, they contribute to the social fabric of our state. Opening businesses and supporting existing ones, they are critical to the success of our economy. Refugees are doctors and bus drivers. They are entrepreneurs and police officers. They are students and teachers. They are our neighbors.”
Here at DEED, we know that immigrants and refugees strengthen Minnesota’s workforce and Minnesota’s communities in all regions in our state. Some immigrants open new businesses, bringing retail and restaurants back to Main Street. And many who don’t open their own business, go to work, particularly in high-demand occupations: nearly 40% of butchers and meat packers; more than 30% of software developers and computer application and system engineers; and more than 18% of personal care aides are immigrants.