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From Arriving to Thriving

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

 

Know Your Rights and Family Safety

Due to increased ICE activity in the Twin Cities, we encourage all immigrants and refugees understand your constitutional rights and how to exercise them. We also recommend making family safety plans to ensure your family is prepared for an immigration emergency.

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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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  • Stories

    Mimi’s Story

    One tourism commercial convinced Mimi that Minnesota was where she belonged, so at age 20 with an infant less than one-year-old, she packed her things to head north. Mimi now works as a director at an assisted living facility and has eight children, most of whom are young adults working in the healthcare field or studying to enter it soon.

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  • Stories

    Claudia’s Story

    With her 91-year-old father in the audience, Claudia proudly walked across the stage and accepted her LL.M. (Master of Laws) from Mitchell Hamline School of Law last May. In 2024, Claudia received her green card and now dreams of becoming a citizen in four years. Even at the age of 61, she is always looking ahead.

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  • Stories

    Coraima’s Story

    Coraima added to her list of accomplishments since moving from Ecuador when she officially became a U.S. citizen last October, joining her husband and infant daughter. As she looks ahead to life after school, Coraima plans to spend more time with her daughter.

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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.