By Yvette Higgins

Nearly 200 newly-arrived refugees will not receive critical services after the Trump administration ordered the International Institute of Minnesota to suspend its resettlement program, according to an IIMN statement. 

The resettlement program at the International Institute on Como Avenue in St. Paul assists refugees with core services, such as housing, jobs, transportation and medical care, in the first 90 days of their arrival so they can become self-sufficient Americans.

Without these services, refugees will be left stranded without money for food and housing before they can find a job, the statement contended last week.  

In late January, President Donald Trump suspended funding to all resettlement agencies, preventing tens of thousands of refugees who arrived in the last 90 days from receiving these critical services, according to AP News. 

The institute said it had expected a pause in the resettlement program. But it contended that by suspending services to those who were already in the community, the Trump administration’s order broke a promise to continue support to the newly arrived refugees. 

Sixty percent of the institute’s revenue came from government funding in 2023, while 17% came from individual contributors, according to their website. Donations are essential so the institute can continue serving refugees.

Now more than ever, the institute will need to rely on contributions. Jane Graupman, executive director of the institute, urged the community to help the institute’s refugee clients . 

“The halt to existing funding could be catastrophic for refugees who recently arrived in Minnesota,” Graupman said in the statement. “We will not abandon our clients, but community help is essential.”

Michelle Eberhard, Institute director of refugee services, said her focus during uncertain times is serving clients who are here right now. 

“Our organization has been around over 100 years, and to me that proves that we are resilient and able to adapt,” Eberhard said.

Yvette Higgins is an intern for the Park Bugle and a student at the University of Minnesota majoring in journalism and art.