Tim Walz on Immigration

Governor Tim Walz has established a record demonstrating a commitment to inclusive immigration policies at the state level since taking office in 2019, aiming to integrate newcomers into Minnesota's social and economic fabric. His administration signed legislation in 2023 that established a permanent Office of New Americans (ONA) to spearhead integration initiatives, ensure equitable access to state services, and reduce employment barriers for immigrants. Furthermore, he supported policies providing state benefits to undocumented residents, including signing the Driver's Licenses for All law in 2023 and expanding access to the state health insurance program, MinnesotaCare, starting in 2025.

His efforts have also focused on economic inclusion and language access for Minnesota's immigrant population, which constituted 8.4% of the state's population in 2022. Initiatives signed into law include the North Star Promise, which made free college tuition accessible to all financially eligible students regardless of immigration status, and investments in workforce programs prioritizing underrepresented groups. This proactive state-level approach contrasts with federal enforcement priorities, leading to calls from the Department of Homeland Security for Minnesota officials to cooperate more fully with ICE arrest detainers, which Walz's administration has reportedly resisted.