Refugee Services
Contributions of New Americans

refugees in communityNew Americans play a vital role in the health and vitality of our communities. Here are just a few ways that refugees make Minnesota a great place to live.

 

Building Our Labor Force

They not only support our business community by helping local companies meet workforce demands, they also buy goods and services – creating a larger consumer base.

 

Bringing New Economic Development

Many refugees are entrepreneurial and start their own businesses. Check out this video about CentraCare and its success in employing refugees.

 

Contributing Financially

New Americans play an important role contributing to the state’s economy by paying taxes, giving to charitable causes and contributing to Social Security. Nationally, newcomers earned $1.4 trillion in 2016 and contributed more than $117 billion in state and local taxes, as well as nearly $262 billion in federal taxes. They had $1 billion in spending power. (Sources: University of Minnesota and Business North.)

 

Enriching Our Lives

New Americans enrich our culture by bringing innovative ideas, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit.