Governor Walz Says Minnesota Will Take Afghan Refugees

(KNSI) – Governor Tim Walz says Minnesota will be open to taking refugees from Afghanistan.

In a letter to President Joe Biden on Thursday, Governor Tim Walz reaffirmed his commitment to working with the federal government to welcome refugees by helping with the resettlement of Afghan individuals and families.

Governor Walz is the co-chair of the bipartisan Council of Governors.

“Minnesota has a strong tradition of welcoming those who seek refuge and supporting them to rebuild their lives and become part of our communities,” reads the letter sent by Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Minnesota is eager to uphold that tradition by welcoming families and children and providing the stable foundation they need to rebuild their lives, achieve their highest potential, and contribute to our state. We stand ready to work with the Biden Administration to welcome families as this effort to provide safety and refuge continues.”

The full text of the letter is available below.

President Joseph R. Biden

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Biden:

Like people across the globe, Minnesotans have watched the events unfolding in Afghanistan with grief and sadness. Minnesotans believe in treating all people with respect and dignity, and we have a strong tradition of welcoming those who seek refuge and supporting them to rebuild their lives and become part of our communities. Minnesota is eager to uphold that tradition by welcoming families and children and providing the stable foundation they need to rebuild their lives, achieve their highest potential, and contribute to our state.

You may already be aware that in the past Minnesota has stepped forward to help those who are fleeing desperate situations and need a safe place to call home. New Minnesotans strengthen our communities and contribute to the social fabric of our state. They are our neighbors.

We stand ready to work with you and your administration to welcome families as this effort to provide safety and refuge continues.

Sincerely,

Tim Walz

Governor

Peggy Flanagan

Lt. Governor

cc: Anthony Blinken, Secretary, U.S. Department of State

Lawrence Bartlett, Director of Refugee Admissions, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, U.S. Department of State