The International Institute of Minnesota welcomes refugees to the Twin Cities and assists in the transition process to their new community.
Starting over in a new community is an immense challenge, especially if you’ve experienced trauma — from learning a new language to entering a new culture to processing the crisis from which one has fled.
Refugee resettlement staff provide an array of services including:
- Greeting newly arriving refugees at the Minneapolis/Saint Paul airport
- Finding and furnishing housing prior to refugee arrivals
- Enrolling refugee children in school
- Connecting adults with ESL classes and employment counseling services
- Applying for social security cards, selective service, and public benefits
- Shopping for groceries and household items
- Accessing medical care
- Assisting with the use of public transportation
- Providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our new community members
All refugees resettled by the Institute are:
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Have received security clearance by the FBI and State Department
- Medically screened by health care professionals before arriving in the United States and again upon arrival
