STATEMENT
Institute receives order to stop aiding newly arrived refugees already in Minnesota

January 27, 2025 ─ On Friday January 24, all resettlement agencies, including the International Institute of Minnesota, received an unprecedented order to immediately suspend any work aiding newly arrived refugees through the federally sponsored program. This devastating blow impacts new arrivals who arrived as recently as 10 days ago.
This means refugees who arrived in Minnesota within the last 90 days ─ who were already extensively vetted, approved for resettlement, and have work authorization ─ can no longer receive the critical services needed to begin new lives in safety. This includes helping refugees pay for housing and food before they get their first job and paycheck.
“The halt to existing funding could be catastrophic for refugees who recently arrived in Minnesota. We will not abandon our clients, but community help is essential,” said Jane Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota.
The Institute welcomed 183 individuals in the past 90 days who are currently receiving services. This number is significantly higher across Minnesota and the country.
“The goal of our work is to help clients become self-sufficient as quickly as possible. Without providing support in these critical first months of arrival, people are essentially left stranded. We cannot abandon refugees as they adjust to a new life in a new country,” Graupman said.
Why this matters
The Trump administration’s pause in the refugee resettlement program was expected. The refusal to honor the federal government’s commitment and breaking a promise to refugees who are already in our community was not.
Newly arrived refugees rely on resettlement agencies to pay rent, groceries, enroll kids in school, help them find jobs, and connect them to medical care. Without funding, they will not receive this help.
“This decision is inhumane, short-sighted, and does not reflect the long-term contributions of refugees in our state,” Graupman said. “These are people who mirror the deeply held American values of hard work, family, and opportunity. Refugees go on to care for our country’s sick and seniors, they work on farms and in factories, and they start business that employ others. By giving people a strong start to a new life, the returns are magnified over the years.”
How the community can help
Refugees have already lost their homes and futures; we must honor our commitments to resettle them in safety and dignity. The only way that will happen now is if community members step up and contribute to provide this help.
Contributions to the International Institute of Minnesota help us fund and provide services during times of uncertainty. The Institute is grateful for the community’s support in standing with New Americans so they can find safety, stability and success. Our mission will remain possible because of the community’s generosity.