DEED Celebrates Immigrant Integration Day

Governor Tim Walz proclaimed today as Immigrant Integration Day in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is marking the day by recognizing the achievements of New Americans and highlighting the need for greater integration of immigrants and refugees in all aspects of Minnesota life.

"Welcoming New Americans to our great state is the right thing to do – and it's also the smart thing to do," said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. "New Americans bring extraordinary talents that grow our economy, and their contributions extend much further. Immigrants & refugees bring new ideas and new perspectives that strengthen Minnesota's culture."

"Immigrants and refugees arrive in Minnesota with the hope for a better future for themselves and their children – and we all benefit when they have full opportunity to make those hopes a reality," said DEED Assistant Commissioner for Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Abdiwahab Mohamed. "At DEED, we are working hard to support New Americans in navigating barriers that hold them back from entrepreneurial success and employment that fully utilizes their skills and experience."

Nearly one in ten Minnesotans were born in another country and many other Minnesotans are children of immigrants or refugees. Just over 50% of Minnesota's recent labor force growth has been driven by recent immigrants, with more than 80,000 foreign-born Minnesotans joining the workforce between 2010-2018. New Americans also drive a considerable amount of small business creation and growth in Minnesota. In 2018, 20,219 immigrant business owners accounted for 7% of all self-employed Minnesota residents – and in the Twin Cities metro, 11% of all business owners were immigrants.

In today's proclamation, Governor Walz recognized the contributions New Americans and previous generations of immigrants and refugees have made to Minnesota's neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community organizations over the years. The Governor also stated Minnesota's commitment to ensuring that the immigrant communities who call this state home have every opportunity to achieve their dreams and feel welcomed and embraced.

DEED's immigrant and refugee efforts are focused on helping state government bring together New Americans, employers, local governments, nonprofits and other partners to create welcoming communities and engage all Minnesotans more fully in the state economy. Staff in DEED's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs work across state agencies and with the governor's office, as well as with community and business leaders throughout Minnesota to break down barriers and build connections.

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website, the JoinUsMn.com website, or follow us on Twitter.