Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan: Minnesota Stands Ready to Welcome Afghan Refugee Families

[ST. PAUL, MN] – In a letter to President Joe Biden yesterday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan underscored their commitment to working with the federal government to continue Minnesota’s long history of welcoming refugees by assisting with the resettlement of Afghan individuals and families. Governor Walz is the co-chair of the bipartisan Council of Governors and a 24-year veteran of the National Guard, during which time he served in a role supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

“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

From the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan