About Refugees

There are 36.4 million refugees worldwide. A refugee is any person, living outside of his or her home country, who is unable to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

Less than one half of 1% of the world’s refugees each year find a safe haven through resettlement in another country. Those who are lucky enough to find safety and a new start in another country wait an average of 17 years in refugee camps.

Impact of Refugees

Refugees play a vital role in our Minnesota workforce. Learn how new Americans are making a positive impact in the community.

Contributions of New Americans

Refugees bring valuable contributions to our communities, including an eagerness to work, an entrepreneurial spirit and economic strength as consumers and taxpayers.

Facts & Figures

Learn more about resettlement by the numbers and global migration trends. Find links to national and international organizations involved in refugee resettlement.

My Neighbor is Muslim

In Minnesota, we are seeing some changing demographics with the arrival of Muslim refugees. My Neighbor is Muslim is a 7-week study and discussion guide designed to provide an introduction to Islam, promote cultural understanding and encourage interfaith dialogue.

For more information or to learn how you can help refugees: