Governor Tim Walz declared today as Immigrant Integration Day in Minnesota. From including immigrant and refugee Minnesotans in the conversation for economic growth and workforce development to preparing for and settling Afghan Evacuees, Minnesotans has been at the forefront creating pathways for success to enrich the integration processes for immigrants and refugees.

“DEED and the Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Office are working with businesses to recruit, hire and retain immigrants and refugees as a part of their workforce,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “Welcoming and supporting immigrants and refugees as they integrate into our state is vital to our workforce needs as well as respecting the cultural enrichments they bring to our communities in Minnesota.”

Immigrants are fundamental to our state’s economy. They earn over $17.5 billion in household income, generate more than $411.7 million in business income, and contribute over $4.8 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, annually. Governor Walz highlighting immigrant integration means communities have the opportunities to achieve their dreams and being part of our society.

“I’m proud of the way our state has welcomed and included immigrants and refugees. The workforce is changing, new Americans need equitable access to growth which will contribute to our state’s economic and employment revitalization,” said DEED Assistant Commissioner for Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Anisa Hajimumin. “Integration is the way for our communities to continue practicing their culture and traditions while being part of the conversation and the participation to adopt our state’s cultural, economic and pollical processes– for all Minnesotans.”

In today’s proclamation, Governor Walz recognized the contributions of immigrants to Minnesota’s history, culture and economy. The Governor emphasized that integrating new immigrants develops new relationships and strengthens the social and economic capital of communities throughout the state. His proclamation also acknowledged the need for integration to ensure that immigrant communities have opportunities to achieve their dreams and feel welcomed and embraced. The Governor called integration a key component in creating an economically sound and culturally vibrant state.