Immigration

Minnesota is built on a foundation of interwoven cultures, and we continue to benefit from the ways immigrants from across the globe help build the vibrant communities we live in and love today. From Albert Lea to Zumbrota, Minnesota cities and towns thrive because of our diverse immigrant populations. Our research on immigration focuses on the contributions that New Americans bring to Minnesota, and policies at the state and federal level that can better allow immigrants to thrive and contribute to our communities.

Research

October 2017

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals important for Minnesota's economy and inclusive communities

About 10,000 young people in Minnesota are eligible, and 6,300 currently receive, temporary relief from deportation and work permits through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA is an important tool in building the workforce the state needs. DACA has allowed these young community members to obtain higher levels of education and more work opportunities.

October 2016

Driver's licenses associated with increased earnings and can boost economy

Driver's licenses are often necessary to provide reliable transportation to jobs in a wider geographic range and on a more flexible work schedule. With wider access to jobs, people can more easily find employment that matches their qualifications and provides competitive wages. The increased earnings that result from Minnesotans gaining better jobs and working more hours can boost the economy through higher consumer spending, and bring in more tax revenue to support schools, roads and other public investments. In addition, given that Minnesota faces a tightening job market and an upcoming labor shortage, expanding access to driver's licenses is an important tool to enable immigrants to fill key roles in the state's workforce.

November 2015

Stable status for undocumented immigrants good for economy

In Minnesota, as in the rest of the United States, immigrants play a crucial role in shaping our economy and communities. Many of the first Minnesota immigrants came from Scandinavian countries, and today families from India, Laos, Mexico and Somalia call Minnesota their home.

November 2015

Driver's licenses for all Minnesotans builds the economy, keeps roads safe

For some Minnesotans, getting a driver's license is impossible, which makes it difficult to get to their jobs, get their kids to school, or even buy food at the grocery store.

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Immigration Blog Posts

February 21, 2023

Driver’s licenses for all would strengthen Minnesota

Minnesota policymakers have an important opportunity in 2023 to expand access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigra...

February 01, 2023

Governor Walz releases FY 2024-25 budget priorities

In his proposal for the two-year FY 2024-25 budget cycle, Governor Tim Walz proposes $11.2 billion in additional funding for public services, with the largest amount of new dollars going toward education, economic development, and health and human services. He also proposes $5.4 billion in tax reductions in FY 2024-25, with the biggest component being a one-time tax rebate. Read more in our blog.

May 14, 2021

Driver’s licenses for all is important for building an equitable recovery

Expanding access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status would advance the economic success of our state....

January 05, 2021

Economic recovery would be strengthened by immigrant-inclusive COVID response

With the onset of winter, it’s clear that the coronavirus and accompanying economic disruption will continue to be with...

More Immigration Blogs

Research Focus

immigration highlight 2

Minnesota's Immigrant Contributions

Of Minnesota's 5.4 million residents, more than 418,000 are foreign-born. Nearly 50 percent of those are naturalized citizens. This is just some of the demographic data compiled in easy-to-use infographics that illustrate how Minnesota's immigrants contribute to our economic and cultural prosperity.

See our infographics highlighting demographic data for the state as a whole and for each of Minnesota's eight congressional districts.

Immigration

Research

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals important for Minnesota's economy and inclusive communities

Driver's licenses associated with increased earnings and can boost economy

Stable status for undocumented immigrants good for economy

Driver's licenses for all Minnesotans builds the economy, keeps roads safe

Immigration Blog Posts

Driver’s licenses for all would strengthen Minnesota

Governor Walz releases FY 2024-25 budget priorities

Driver’s licenses for all is important for building an equitable recovery

Economic recovery would be strengthened by immigrant-inclusive COVID response

Research Focus

Minnesota's Immigrant Contributions

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