International Institute of Minnesota

08/24/2026

We always enjoy having interns and seeing their growth during their time at the Institute! We want to give a big thanks to our summer interns for their hard work, curiosity, and dedication. We're grateful for your time with us and to have been part of your journey!

We asked our interns about their experience with us. Read their reflections and learn about our internship opportunities here:

The International Institute of Minnesota helps New Americans find new beginnings. Our comprehensive services range from refugee resettlement and citizenship and immigration support, to English classes, college preparation, job trainings, and leadership development.

08/22/2026

Volunteers at the International Institute of Minnesota make our many programs and classes possible!

Meet Kevin and Anita, a dynamic husband and wife duo who are regular volunteers at the Institute.

Learn more about what inspires and motivates Kevin and Anita in our Volunteer Spotlight question-and-answer series!

Kevin Harding and Anita Terry are a dynamic husband and wife duo who are regular volunteers at the Institute. They volunteer in several programs and classes, including refugee services, citizenship, entrepreneurship, employment assistance, and more. Learn more in this question-and-answer series abou...

08/21/2026

We are seeking sponsors for our third annual Immigrant Small Business Resource Fair!

Learn how you can become a sponsor and what the benefits are: https://iimn.org/news/immigrant-small-business-resource-fair-2026/

08/20/2026

🚨 Time is running out.

Public comments close August 24 on a proposed rule that would raise naturalization fees by 75% or more and eliminate fee waivers. If you believe citizenship should remain accessible, submit your public comment today and help protect the pathway to becoming a U.S. citizen for eligible New Americans.

We have a template to help you submit your public comment here:
https://iimn.org/news/action-alert-fees/

08/18/2026

We have plenty of NEW updates and events happening at the Institute! Read all about it in our August newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/iimn/november-13370136

Never miss what's new at the Institute by signing up for our newsletter here: https://iimn.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=04b3c75d7ceb9eb3845f775bd&id=8a2e0425b4

08/16/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to our Dietary Aide students who celebrated their graduation last week!

Before graduating, students had a dining experience at our Hall of Nations where they put all their training and skills into practice. Throughout their training they also do nursing home and hospital visits to see first-hand what it's like to do dietary aide in these settings.

We wish them the best and know they will be exceptional employees!

Our next class starts November 9th!

To learn more, go to: https://iimn.org/classes/dietary-aide/

08/14/2026

What a great last day to our Family Week! We enjoyed seeing all the happy faces of all our students and clients at our open house event😄

Today we had games, crafts, ice cream, and gave away winter coats, school supplies, and family activity bags.

Thank you to all of our staff and volunteers who helped make this week a success!

08/13/2026

Family Week Fun! Today we gave away almost 200 backpacks filled with school supplies and tote bags with additional school supplies for students, clients, and their children.

Tomorrow (Friday) will be our big open house celebration to close the end of Family Week.

We will have fun activities, ice cream, prizes, family gift bags, and winter clothes for our students and clients!

Thank you to all the incredible volunteers who helped put together the family gift bags for our open house event!

08/12/2026

Family Week continues! Today our Refugee Services team was handing out fresh fruit, hygiene totes, hygiene travel packs, and fun play kits for their little ones. Our team also had information on MNsure and other healthcare resources.

Tomorrow we will be giving out backpacks and snacks to students and clients!

08/12/2026

ACTION ALERT: Public comments needed on proposed rule change to increase citizenship fees! Submit public comments in link in bio!

On June 22, the Department of Homeland Security published a new rule proposal to raise naturalization fees by 75% or more and eliminate fee waivers, creating more obstacles to U.S. citizenship for New Americans. The proposed rule would limit the pathways to citizenship for low-income individuals through exorbitant fee increases, making naturalization unattainable to many who are eligible. This would directly impact nearly 70% of the Institute’s citizenship clients.

This is a proposed rule, meaning it does not go into effect immediately. There will be public comments open for the next 60 days, until August 24, after which all comments will be reviewed before a final rule is published.

We strongly urge our supporters, community members, and clients to submit a public comment about this proposed rule change and let your voices be heard!