We Now Know the Countries Sending the Most Refugees to Minnesota

Where Are Minnesota’s Newest Refugees Coming From?

Minnesota has always been known as a welcoming place, and that tradition is alive and well. Refugees from around the world continue to find safety and a fresh start here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

A total of 2,983 refugees from 30 different countries have made Minnesota their new home between October 2023 and September 2024.

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Refugee Arrivals Are Picking Up Across the United States

Refugee resettlement in the U.S. has had its ups and downs. Stacker reports that just a few years ago, annual caps on refugee admissions hit historic lows, bottoming out at 15,000 during the Trump administration in 2021.

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Things have turned around under the Biden administration, with a raised ceiling of 125,000. The numbers are climbing, with over 60,000 refugees arriving in the U.S. between October 2022 and September 2023, more than double the count from just two years prior, according to the Refugee Processing Center.

Why Are Refugees Moving to Minnesota?

Minnesota's reputation as a welcoming state plays a big role. The North Star State has robust support systems and established communities that make it easier for new arrivals to settle in. Programs like those run by the International Institute of Minnesota and Lutheran Social Service offer everything from housing assistance to job placement.

It’s not just about resources, though, it’s also about the community spirit here. Minnesota has a history of embracing newcomers, from Southeast Asian refugees in the 1970s to Somali arrivals in more recent decades. That legacy continues today.

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So, where are our newest neighbors coming from? Scroll through the list below to see the top countries sending refugees to Minnesota.

Top Countries Sending Refugees to Minnesota

Minnesota continues its tradition of welcoming refugees from around the world. Curious where they’re coming from? Here are the 30 countries with the most refugees arriving in Minnesota since October 2023, based on reports from the Refugee Processing Center and compiled by Stacker, organized from least to most.

Gallery Credit: Minnesota Now

The Official U.S. Government 'Do Not Travel' List

Traveling to unique and exotic places rather than the usual tourist traps can be quite an adventure. However, it's crucial to research your destination thoroughly.

While every trip comes with some degree of risk, requiring you to mind your surroundings and take some precautions, there are some places you just shouldn't visit, as they are not worth the risk.

The United States government has a convenient website that helps by listing travel advisories they have in place for countries all over the world, ranking the risk from Level 1 through Level 4.

If a country is issued a Level 4 advisory, you should NOT travel there. As of November 2024, the countries below are on the 'Do Not Travel' list.

Gallery Credit: David Drew