Minneapolis Review

On June 15, the Minneapolis City Council approved a resolution celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month, World Refugee Day and Caribbean American Heritage Month in Minneapolis. Immigrant Heritage Month and Caribbean American Heritage Month are celebrated throughout the month of June, and June 20 is World Refugee Day.

The resolution recognizes the significant immigrant and refugee community in Minneapolis, stating “Over 63,000 people identify as immigrants and refugees, not including the descendants of immigrants and refugees” and “In the Twin Cities area, over 200,000 children (or one in four children) have an immigrant parent.” The resolution further recognizes that “Over 100 languages are spoken by families and children enrolled in Minneapolis public schools, all testaments to the truly global nature of our society.”

The resolution also states that immigrants and refugees “fuel America’s economy by creating new businesses generating millions of jobs, exhibiting tremendous strength and resilience” and are “represented in every area of human endeavor, including medicine and health care, hospitality, public service, construction, law, education, engineering, caregiving, manufacturing, service, agriculture and more.”

Financing for citizenship application fee 

The City of Minneapolis in partnership with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union has launched a New American Loan program so that Minneapolis residents who may not be able to afford the naturalization filing fee are able to qualify for U.S. citizenship. More than 10,000 Minneapolis residents are U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) who could qualify for U.S. citizenship but have not yet applied. Qualified residents can apply now for a no-interest loan through Affinity Plus. More information is on the Affinity Plus website or at 651-312-9747.

Voices of our Elders community panel discussion

In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, Caribbean American Heritage Month and World Refugee Day, everyone is invited to join in a community forum with community elders noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, in the Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 100. Event updates will be posted on the Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs calendar.

The City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs’ goal is to ensure that Minneapolis is a safe and welcoming place for all. Located within the City’s Department of Neighborhood & Community Relations, the office advises City leadership on immigration issues and connects residents to community-based and partner resources.

Original source can be found here.