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Shalom’s Story: From refugee to U.S. citizen

After fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo as a child and spending years in refugee camps, Shalom was resettled in Minnesota. Now, he’s celebrating becoming a U.S. citizen, reuniting with his family and building a life as a newlywed.

“I am the first one in the family to get citizenship,” Shalom said. “I feel so excited to get citizenship in this country with a lot of opportunities. I’m very happy.”

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A man raises his right hand during a naturalization ceremony,

More Articles and Resources

Immigrant Small Business Resource Fair 2024

Jul 30, 2024

Are you an immigrant who owns a business or dreams of starting one? Join us Sept. 13 for a FREE small business event designed to help you learn, network and succeed!

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Shalom’s Citizenship Story

Jul 30, 2024

Shalom’s journey from refugee to U.S. citizen highlights the life-changing benefits of naturalization, including the right to vote and increased opportunities. His story showcases how support from organizations like the Institute can help eligible immigrants overcome barriers and achieve their dreams of becoming New Americans.

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July 2024 Updates

Jul 16, 2024
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll learn about:

World Day Against Trafficking

Students’ fishing field trip

Volunteer opportunities

New Americans Campaign
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June 2024 Updates

Jun 25, 2024
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll learn about:

World Refugee Day

Our next Breakfast Circle about our Anti-Trafficking program

Our latest volunteer openings

Free citizenship services for Minneapolis residents
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Welcome Corps and Ways to Help Refugees

Jun 17, 2024

The first few months after a family arrives are some of the most important months of their lives. If you are part of a private sponsor group through Welcome Corps, please see our list of services and classes that may be helpful for the people you’re working with.

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Star Tribune: Embrace the Economic Benefits of Immigration

May 24, 2024

Star Tribune | Immigration has become such a divisive issue that many Minnesotans feel they are being pushed into one of two camps. “We don’t have to choose between what’s good for the economy and being humanitarian,” says Jane Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota. “They help each other.”

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May 2024 Updates

May 23, 2024
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll:

See photos from New Americans New Beginnings

Learn about IIMN’s latest College Readiness students

How IIMN helps immigrant doctors relicense

How to help arriving refugees
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Star Tribune: A Trump Immigration Crackdown Could Cripple Minnesota’s Workforce

May 02, 2024

Star Tribune | If former President Donald Trump earns a second term in November, a promised crackdown on both documented and undocumented immigration would likely hit an even tighter job market and send shockwaves through the state’s economy.

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Kasahun’s Story: “A Voice for the Patient”

May 01, 2024

When Kasahun graduated and became a registered nurse with Institute support, he said, “I look forward to using my skills to help those in need of my help in the community and the state in which I live, through caring for the sick, advocating for the poor, being a voice for the voiceless and helping my fellow citizens to achieve their educational dream.”

Read His Story