St. Paul is home to a rich blend of cultures and identities and a vital center for jobs, services, and opportunity. As a summer intern at Daily Work, I’ve seen just how essential immigrant communities are to the city, not only in the workforce, but also in shaping its cultural and social identity.
In 2019, immigrants and refugees made up nearly 20 percent of St. Paul’s population and accounted for 62 percent of the city’s total population growth. Their labor plays a critical role in sustaining key sectors of the local economy. According to a New American Economy report cited by the American Immigration Council, immigrants and refugees comprised 22 percent of St. Paul’s employed labor force, including:
• 39 percent of essential service workers
• 35 percent of manufacturing workers
• 29 percent of those in transportation and warehousing
• 27 percent in hospitality
• 17 percent of the city’s STEM workforce.
The report also underscores the strong entrepreneurial presence of immigrants in St. Paul. In 2019, immigrants made up 33.2 percent of all business owners, offering essential goods and services that benefit the entire region.
“From revitalizing neighborhoods and boosting local business corridors to growing the city’s tax base and helping sustain essential services throughout the pandemic, immigrants are integral members of the Saint Paul community,” said the former Director of State and Local Initiatives at the New American Economy, Mo Kantner.
Beyond Economics
This summer, I’ve come to know the richness of St. Paul in everything from the food scene to community art, experiences that directly reflect the contributions of immigrants. As a case manager at Daily Work. I’ve connected on a personal level with many immigrants who are navigating the job market, housing searches, and other life complexities while also raising children, pursuing education, building a new life in our community.
Despite the many ways immigrants enrich St. Paul, their daily life is now overshadowed by fear and instability, particularly as ICE activity intensifies across the Twin Cities.
“President Trump’s rhetoric makes law-abiding neighbors afraid to go to school, attend church, or even call 911. Mayor Melvin Carter said in a February 2025 statement in response to a memo from the White House.
Where Do We Go from Here?
This is heartbreaking and it’s unjust. These are our neighbors and coworkers. They’re people just like us, going to work, preparing meals, caring for children and elders, repairing roads, and launching new businesses. Immigrants are essential, not just to our economy, but to the daily life and strength of our community.
I urge everyone to stand with immigrant communities, through policy, through action, and through empathy. St. Paul, the metro region, our state, and our country cannot truly thrive unless everyone has the chance to flourish.
We must advocate for just immigration policies that uphold the law. We can support organizations serving immigrant families, shop at immigrant-owned businesses, and stand against fear tactics and family separation. Only by protecting and celebrating every member of our community can we all truly realize our potential.
Read the facts in this great report.
Photo credit: Ben Fisher, a mural on a building near Augsburg College in Minneapolis
Ben Fisher is a junior at St. Olaf College studying Environmental Studies, Economics, and International Relations. Passionate about environmental advocacy and social justice, he supported job seekers this summer at Daily Work while gaining experience in building one-to-one relationships and helping others discover meaningful work.
