Lutheran Social Services New Americans
Refugee Resettlement
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who has fled his/her country because of fear of persecution based on race, religion, their nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
North Dakota accepts about 400 refugees each year. They are resettled in Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks and Bismarck.
How refugees benefit the community.
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Refugees strengthen the local economy by supplying labor, renting housing units and by simply being a consumer. An employed refugee pays approximately $1000 in state sales tax and contributes $2500 to $3000 in state and federal taxes annually.
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Refugees offset North Dakota’s population decline and help offset declining school enrollment, the shrinking workforce and reduced tax base.
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Refugees bring diversity to our area, helping us learn about and from different cultures.
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Refugees become homeowners and contribute approximately $100,000 in property taxes per year.
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Refugees start new businesses and in-turn employ others.
Resettlement offices
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Grand Forks Refugee Resettlement
Contact: Tara Dupper TDUPPER@LSSND.ORG 701-787-7743
The community of Grand Forks receives approximately 90 refugees per year through Lutheran Social Services New Americans. The Grand Forks sub-office coordinates case management, employment and community activities with the help of congregations and volunteers.
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Bismarck Refugee Resettlement
Contact: Turdukan Tostokova TTOSTOKOVA@LSSND.ORG 701-223-1510
The Bismarck resettlement office reopened in the fall of 2009, after several years of inactivity. It is anticipated that 20 to 30 refugees will be resettled each year in the Bismarck community. With the help of volunteers and families who had already arrived as refugees, the Bismarck staff will coordinate case management, employment and community activities for new refugees.
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How to get involved
People who assist refugees often comment that they receive more in return emotionally and spiritually than they give. Check out ways to volunteer and support the needs of refugees.
Questions about refugee resettlement in North Dakota?
Click here for detailed information (FAQ) from New American Services, a program of Lutheran Social Services of ND.
Click here for a summary of some Quick Facts from the FAQ.
- Overview
- Immigration Services
- Case management services
- Refugee employment services
- Unaccompanied refugee minor program
- Frequently asked questions
- Make a difference
Contact Us
Laetitia Mizero
Program Director/State Refugee Coordinator
E-mail: lmizero@lssnd.org
4720 7th Ave. S., Suite B
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: 701-235-7341
Resources
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services - www.lirs.orgEpiscopal Migration Ministries - www.episcopalchurch.org/emm
Cultural Orientation Profiles - www.cal.org/co/publications/profiles.html
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - www.unhcr.org
Office of Refugee Resettlement - www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr
Department of State - www.state.gov/g/prm
