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From Arriving to Thriving

At the International Institute of Minnesota, we help immigrants and refugees make Minnesota their home.

 

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Did You Know?

Our clients, students and staff come from all over the world, contributing to Minnesota’s culture, labor market and economy.

  • 100,000 +

    Hours

    of English instruction provided last year.

  • 110

    Countries

    Last year, we worked with 5,709 clients from all over the world.

  • 28

    Languages

    We’re proud to have a diverse staff that supports our clients.

  • 100 +

    Years

    years serving New Americans since our founding in 1919.

Four women of different ethnicities wear bright colors and smile.

Welcome to the International Institute of Minnesota

We empower New Americans as they begin new lives and achieve their full potential. Our comprehensive services range from refugee resettlement and citizenship and immigration support to English education, college preparation, and workforce and leadership development. Since our founding in 1919, the Institute has been a pillar of support for New Americans as they journey to safety, stability and success.

  • Compassion

    We lead with compassion, listen with patience, and respond with sensitivity and discretion to every unique situation, individual and family we meet.

  • Connection

    We serve as a bridge between families, individuals and the greater Minnesota community as well as donors, policymakers and volunteers alike.

  • Respect

    We believe in fostering the potential of every New American to learn, grow, thrive and enrich our Minnesota community.

What Our Clients Are Saying

What’s New?

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  • Media Coverage

    KSTP: Majority of Somali immigrants in Minnesota are US citizens

    KSTP | The Trump Administration is pausing pending immigration applications from 19 countries, including Somalia, as immigration enforcement activity increases in the Twin Cities. KSTP spoke with Jane Graupman, the Institute’s Executive Director.

    Read More
  • Institute logo of a tree with different colored leaves

    Announcements

    Statement on the President’s Attacks on the Somali Community in Minnesota

    The International Institute of Minnesota condemns the harmful rhetoric that is being used by those in power to dehumanize, vilify, and demean immigrants and refugees. We also oppose the anti-immigration policy changes and immigration enforcement operations that have accompanied the persistent verbal attacks on New Americans by the president’s administration.

    We stand with the Somali community, and all immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and across our country, and we are asking you to do the same.

    Learn More
  • Media Coverage

    Pioneer Press: MN leaders push back on Somali ‘scapegoating’ ahead of threatened immigration sweep

    Pioneer Press | As federal authorities under the direction of President Donald Trump prepare an enforcement operation targeted at Somali immigrants in Minnesota, local leaders and members of the Somali community Tuesday pushed back against what they see as an effort to sow “division and chaos.” Pioneer Press spoke with Jane Graupman, the Institute’s Executive Director. 

    Read More
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Make an Impact

With your support, we can provide New Americans with a strong start to a new life. Whether it’s the gift of financial support, your time or resources, we are most grateful for your generosity; it is essential to the success of our community.

A man writing in class looks up and smiles at the camera.