Minnesota is a diverse state, home to many. It is a place that should foster basic needs, inclusivity, safety, and respect for all regardless of individuals born outside of the United States.
Current anti-immigrant trend:
Fear and uncertainty for the Immigrant community across the United States have escalated due to an increase in anti-immigrant policies, mass deportation, widespread misinformation, and hostile rhetoric. Immigrants are continually living with the threat of policy changes that could severely disrupt their lives.
Immigrant contribution:
Minnesota is home to over 500,000 immigrants, who make up 8.8% of the state’s population. This immigrant community contributes significantly to the state’s economy, paying $3.5 billion in federal taxes and $1.7 billion in state and local taxes annually. However, despite the significant contributions the immigrant community provides, many face challenges, including legal protection barriers.
How Minnesota people are organizing together to defend immigrant rights:
The launch of the new initiative Immigrant Defense Network (IDN) is at the most critical time, where solidarity and commitment to protecting and supporting the immigrant community are greatly needed. The network comprises multiple organizations across the state working together to protect immigrant families and rights.
Actions that are taking place:
- Know-Your-Rights education for the immigrant population
- Education for allies about policy efforts and advocacy to protect immigrants
- Legal defense work
- Training Community Rights Ambassadors
- Advocate for legislative measures and safeguard for the safety, dignity, and future for all
On February 14, IDN’s “Love Your Immigrant Neighbor” Day of Action was a statewide mobilization (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato, Austin, Monticello, and Rochester). Members delivered 14,000 Valentine’s Day cards, spreading words of encouragement and critical Know-Your-Rights information. Members stood together for justice and displayed unwavering support for the Minnesota immigrant community.
IDN plans to continually engage thousands of Minnesotans to stand in solidarity with their immigrant neighbors. IDN hopes to ensure that the communities can access reliable information, legal resources, and community support.
How can I help support Immigrants?:
We can support this by combining policy, community, and individual levels. We can create an environment where immigrants feel supported and respected.
- Advocate for fair immigration policies that provide paths to protect immigrant rights. The voices of allies are important and help the support for cause speak volumes.
- Support organizations that work on policy changes and provide legal assistance to aid the immigrant community
- Foster a welcoming environment for immigrant neighbors where they feel safe, accepted, and protected.
- Offer education programs that help immigrants understand their rights and how to navigate the legal system, especially offering in their native language(s)
- Promote and celebrate cultural diversity.
- Check out the city of of Minneapolis’ City’s Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs webpage to learn more about their resources. The city of Minneapolis does not participate in immigration enforcement. The City stands with and in support of its residents, including those born outside the U.S.
Below are links for residents to be aware of their rights and responsibilities:
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Know Your Rights page: This page includes fact sheets and multilingual videos.
- Volunteer Lawyers Network Family and Immigration Preparedness Resources: This page contains a compilation of resources and guides. It also includes forms such as Delegation of Parental Authority. (Available in English and Spanish)
- Creating safe and supportive schools for immigrant and English learner students: This resource, created by the Minnesota Education Equity partnership, is described as a toolkit for upholding the human and educational rights of Minnesota students.
- Welcoming America Preparation and Rapid Response Resource Collection: This collection of resources, compiled by Welcoming America, is a living document containing multilingual resources and will continue to be updated.
