Welcoming on Immigration
Minnesota Immigration Policy 2026
Immigration laws, sanctuary status, E-Verify requirements, and how immigration shapes the political landscape in Minnesota ahead of 2026.
8.6%
Immigrant Population
Welcoming
Immigration Stance
Not required
E-Verify
DL: No
Undoc. Drivers License
Key Immigration Policies
| Sanctuary Status | Minneapolis and St. Paul have sanctuary policies |
| E-Verify Requirement | Not required |
| Drivers License (Undocumented) | No |
| In-State Tuition (Undocumented) | Yes |
| Enforcement Approach | Generally welcoming; Somali and Hmong communities large |
Overview
Minnesota has significant East African (Somali), Hmong, and Latino immigrant communities. The 2023 Democratic trifecta extended drivers licenses and passed welcoming policies. The state resettles large numbers of refugees.
2026 Political Impact
Minnesota is a key 2026 Senate battleground. Immigration intersects with refugee resettlement (large Somali community in Minneapolis) which has been a Republican campaign issue. The seat is an open contest after Smith\'s retirement.