International Institute of Minnesota

Since 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota has been a leader in serving refugees and immigrants. We help them meet their immediate needs and achieve their long-term goals. Each year, more than 4,000 refugees and immigrants come to the Institute from all over the world.

The urgency of our work has only grown.

Now more than ever, New Americans need a welcoming and trustworthy resource they can rely on. Stand with immigrants and refugees by donating today. Your gift in any amount will support the following programs and services in the coming weeks and months:

• We are preparing for refugee admissions to drastically decrease in the new year. In anticipation of expected executive action, we will strive to resettle close to 300 refugees before January 20.
• We will keep our legal services accessible so concerned clients can receive help stabilizing their immigration status as soon as possible.
• Classes and programs will remain available to our clients and students. Our free classes not only help students learn English and train for jobs—they also provide a safe and welcoming place for New Americans to find community.

Many new arrivals face instability as they meet the challenges of starting over in a new country. You can make a deep impact on the lives of New Americans when you make a gift today. Together, we can help New Americans find safety, stability, and a trusted partner in the weeks and months to come. Our critical work is possible because of your generosity.

Our Vision: We seek a community where New Americans can find respect, support, and safety, and where they can achieve their full potential in their new lives.

Our Mission: Helping New Americans achieve self-sufficiency and full membership in American life.

Our Programs: The International Institute of Minnesota provides services and resources to empower New Americans (immigrants and refugees) in the pursuit of their goals. From language learning and job training to immigration assistance, citizenship classes, refugee resettlement, and case management, the Institute offers New Americans a pathway for a strong start to a new life in our community. 

Read about the resiliency of the people we serve.

Refugee Services: Welcoming and stabilizing refugees. Helping new arrivals find their first home in Minnesota, enroll children in school, and find their first job.

Read Khanom's story.

Immigration Services: Reuniting families, offering citizenship classes and filing assistance, and providing accredited, low-cost immigration assistance.

Read Shalom's story.

Education: Offering the knowledge New Americans need for life in Minnesota through English classes, college preparation, citizenship test preparation, and more.

Read Elizabeth's story.

Workforce Development: Helping New Americans get their first jobs and their dream jobs through employment counseling, classes, and job trainings.

Read Sandra's story.