News

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new rule proposal to raise naturalization fees by 75% or more and eliminate fee waivers. This is a proposed rule, meaning it does not go into effect immediately. There will be public comments open for the next 60 days, until August 24, after which all comments will be reviewed before a final rule is published. We strongly urge our supporters, community members, and clients to submit a public comment about this proposed rule change and let your voices be heard.

KARE 11 | The path to American citizenship is not the same for everyone, but one requirement applies to all immigrants seeking to become citizens: passing the naturalization test. 

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

• Court restoring immigration processing
• World Refugee Day 
• CNA Appreciation Week
• Homeownership workshops and advising
• Volunteer Spotlight
• New Americans Campaign

KARE 11 | The International Institute of Minnesota held a breakfast circle to address the federal agents’ investigation into nearly 6,000 immigrants without green cards in MN.

June marks Nursing Assistants Week! We want to celebrate and recognize our incredible staff, students, and graduates of our Nursing Assistants Training Program. We asked our CNA staff and current students what this career means to them. Read more on what they said and learn more about our CNA program

The International Institute of Minnesota is relieved and cautiously optimistic about the announcement of a Federal Court blocking a pause on immigration benefits for 39 countries.

MPR News | In the last month, there has been a flurry of changes in immigration policies. On Friday, a federal judge ruled the Trump administration must resume processing asylum applications from 39 countries. MPR News spoke with Corleen Smith, the Institute’s Immigration Services Director.

Our Spring 2026 interns shared with us what their internship experience at the Institute meant to them and what they learned. Also, learn more about future internship opportunities at the Institute.

For our Volunteer Spotlight, meet Sue McMahon! Sue volunteers in our English classes, helping students of different English-speaking levels practice their English and conversation skills. Learn more in this question-and-answer series about what inspires and motivates Sue McMahon.