Immigration in Minnesota and the Nonprofit Response
March 23, 2006

An audience of over 120 nonprofit staff, researchers, attorneys, clergy, and legislative staff gathered to discuss current proposals aimed at the reform of immigration policies in Minnesota and around the nation. Nonprofit and charitable organizations have had a long history in the state of helping new immigrants and refugees settle into their new communities. Nonprofit agencies often provide new Minnesotans a link to cultural, social, health and economic opportunities and services.

Local experts discussed the changing demographic trends in Minnesota and the implications and opportunities for our schools, our workforce and our neighborhoods.

Speakers included Tom Gillaspy, the State Demographer; Katherine Fennelly, Humphrey Institute Professor and immigration policy expert; and several nonprofit members of the AFFIRM coalition.

Materials and information from the event are provided below:

State Demographer Tom Gillaspy’s presentation

Professor Katherine Fennelly’s presentation

About AFFIRM: The Alliance for Fair Immigration Reform (AFFIRM) is an alliance of more than 25 immigrant groups, religious and labor organizations, legal services and human service organizations. They are working together to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform legislation that will address the brokenness of the current immigration system.

AFFIRM affirms the rights of immigrants to experience:
• Family reunification
• Protection of human, civil and worker rights
• The creation of a path to citizenship

To get involved, or become an endorsing organization, contact:

Jill Westfall
Office for Social Justice
328 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 291-4542

Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights recently launched the Energy of a Nation: Immigration Resources website to provide accurate information about immigration and the importance of respect for human rights in the context of refugee and immigrant issues. For more information on immigration trends and the history of immigration in Minnesota, check out www.energyofanation.org.