SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, Representative Samakab Hussein (DFL – Saint Paul) hosted Swedish Parliament Members Janine Alm Ericson and Leila Ali Elmi for a roundtable discussion focused on immigration policy, with a particular emphasis on New American integration services in Minnesota and the experiences of immigrants and refugees living in Sweden. The meeting brought together members of the Minnesota Legislature and community leaders to explore the complex issues surrounding the resettlement and integration of immigrants in the United States and Sweden, and the challenges and potential solutions affecting immigrant/refugee populations.
Representative Samakab Hussein (DFL-Saint Paul) released the following statement:
“It was an honor to host a meeting with esteemed members of the Swedish Parliament and community leaders to discuss the historical and contemporary experiences of new Americans integrating into Minnesota. Our state is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse diasporas in the nation. As a state legislator, it was crucial for me to hear directly from organizers and leaders working on the ground with our communities to ensure that our legislative efforts are effectively addressing their needs. DFLers are committed to partnering with BIPOC leaders to build an infrastructure and redefine systems that promote economic prosperity for all Minnesotans, regardless of their immigration status.”
MP Janine Alm Ericson serves on the Committee on Finance as the Green Party’s head representative. She is also a substitute member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Green Party’s spokesperson for international aid issues. MP Ericson has previously served as State Secretary for International Development Cooperation, where she focused on promoting sustainable global development and advancing Sweden’s role in humanitarian efforts.
Leila Ali Elmi, another member of the Green Party, serves as the party’s head representative on the Labour Committee, focusing on labour policy, integration, discrimination, and segregation. MP Elmi is an advocate for equality, social justice, and sustainable labour practices, and works to address systemic issues of discrimination in Sweden.
During the discussion, Minnesota Legislators and Swedish Parliament Members shared their perspectives on the challenges and systemic and cultural differences that impact immigrant/refugee communities, including language barriers, cultural differences, and economic hardships. They also discussed the role of governments and communities in providing support and resources to help these individuals build new lives.
MP Ericson and Elmi reflect on the meeting,
“It has been a truly enriching experience to visit the Minnesota State Capitol and engage with representatives from both houses as well as members of the BIPOC communities. The state’s strong commitment to diversity and fostering inclusive ecosystems is particularly impressive, offering a model that many others can learn from.”
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all participants to continue collaborating toward finding solutions, identifying challenges, and fostering a more inclusive and welcoming society for all new immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and Sweden.
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