Author: Meli Slater

Soft Landing Missoula’s Commitment to a Home for Refugees in Missoula

On Monday November 24th, we began to hear about a memo signed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director, Joe Edlow, detailing additional cruel and incredibly devastating policy changes surrounding refugees that have been resettled and are living peacefully in communities around America- including Missoula and elsewhere in the state of Montana. 

This is following many months of significantly damaging policies put in place to halt resettlement for the world’s most vulnerable, reduce the support available to refugees currently in the U.S who are working to rebuild their lives here (including SNAP, Medicaid, and energy assistance programs, read about how SNAP is changing for refugees), and make layers upon layers of our nation’s bureaucracy even harder for newcomers trying to navigate it.

What does this new memo say?

1) All refugees that arrived during the previous administration (January 20th 2021- February 20th 2025), will be subject to a mandatory review and re-interview, despite being the most highly vetted immigrants that enter the United States. This not only creates a cruel and re-traumatizing experience for approximately 233,000 refugees, but also opens them up to the possibility of having this life-saving status revoked.

2) This memo also initiates a pause on all processing of Legal Permanent Residency (LPR- also known as a Green Card) for those that arrived within the dates listed above, even though applying for LPR is required after being here for one year.

What does this mean for refugees in Missoula and Montana?

Soft Landing Missoula currently works with roughly 80 families who came to Missoula as refugees during the years outlined in this memo and are now at risk of these inhumane policies. These families make up close to 60% of the immigrant families that Soft Landing Missoula works with.

Coming to the U.S. as a refugee means that you have not only faced persecution, war, and forced displacement from your home- an unimaginable journey- but have gone through the strickest and most complete screening process for entry into the United States that exsists. We have been under the impression that refugee status, a permanent humanitarian status for a tiny portion of some of the most vulnerable families in the world who have followed this rigorous and internationally recognized path to safety through the U.S. refugee resettlement program is one of the most “durable” and legally least at risk status- lead only by U.S. Citizenship. This memo significantly changes this.

We have already seen other immigrants in Montana who have come through legal pathways stripped of that status- for example, Venezuelans who arrived through Humanitarian Parole- essentially de-legalizing people and giving them short notice to leave the country or face detention and deportation. We now see the administration’s path forward to begin the same targeting of refugee status- a move that puts hundreds of thousands of people at severe risk of being forced to return to dangerous and untenable situations.

Additionally, you have also heard us speak recently about new policies that have taken SNAP, Medicaid, and energy assistance programs away from refugees who were previously eligible. Being eligible for these programs now requires refugees to have a Green Card and if USCIS is no longer processing Green Cards for refugees, these essential programs that keep families fed, warm, and with access to healthcare will be even more inaccessible to families trying to get their feet under them in a new home.

What remains unclear?

It is unclear whether or not the courts will have any ability to slow or halt the policies outlined in this memo. The number of refugees allowed to enter the U.S. each year is at the discretion of the president (although Congress should be consulted), and we just don’t know how far this power reaches into other refugee policies.

It is also very hard to say how and on what time frame this review and re-interview will take place. USCIS already has a backlog of over 4 million cases and adding this to that load is a tremendous and irresponsible waste of resources.

While listing a time frame that includes the entire years of the past administration, the memo also vaguely states, “When appropriate, USCIS will also review and re-interview refugees admitted outside this timeframe.”, opening the door to even further overreach and targeting of refugees that have been peacefully living in the U.S. for many years.

The memo states that the administration has 90 days to clarify and create a priority list for those first affected.

What is SLM doing about it?

Refugee families have built lives here and are important members of our community. They work long-hours at multiple jobs, are children and young adults who go to school, and are our friends and neighbors who are the first to help in times of need. They ENJOY and value the beauty of this state, appreciate its safety, and participate in building strong and welcoming communities.

These same families now face uncertainty, re-traumatization, and in the very least, a sense of threat to their safety. Families who have already faced so much and have been invited to come to the U.S. through this essential humanitarian program deserve clarity, dignity, and security as they work to build a life here.

Through the work of Soft Landing Missoula, refugee families in our community will not have to face this cruelty alone.

Soft Landing Missoula will continue to:

1) Share accurate information as we know it and advocate for refugees on local, state, and national levels.

2) Build critical partnerships and provide assistance to navigate complex systems. While we can’t prevent many of these changes, we can work to give each family the best chance possible to stay safely in our community.

3) Focus on relationships. When national news feels uncertain, families need steady, trustworthy relationships like the ones we build at Soft Landing. They need neighbors who will help them navigate changes and increase their social capital. They need places where their children are encouraged and cheered. Places where their presence is valued and they feel like they belong. Together, this is what we have already built here in Missoula and we must keep going.

What can you do about it?

It’s time to make our voices heard. While it can sometimes feel like screaming into the void, if they don’t hear from us, they won’t hear us. It is critical that the administration hears a swift and powerful response that refugees are welcome in our communities.

If you just have one minute, you can sign on to this letter put out by Refugee Council USA (RCUSA). It’s quick and easy and goes right to the Montana delegation.

If you have a few more minutes, consider writing or calling directly, offering a short statement in your own words (or any borrowed from this blog post!) expressing your concern for the cruel policies outlined in this memo and uplifting the benefits of our refugee neighbors.

You can also give to Soft Landing’s work. We are working hard not only to bring you this information and advocate for refugees, but to support refugee families in Missoula on every step of this difficult journey. We need you in this work with us and your financial support ensures we get to continue fighting for refugee families in our community.

It’s that time of year again – September marks Welcoming Week, a nationwide celebration where communities across the United States come together to honor refugees, immigrants, and neighbors of all backgrounds.

This year especially, Soft Landing Missoula is excited to double down on this spirit by making September “The Month of Welcome”, with a full calendar of events designed to build connections, celebrate diversity, and reaffirm Missoula as a warm and inclusive place for all.

Since 2017, Soft Landing Missoula and partners have worked together during Welcoming Week to foster welcoming spaces, and 2025 is shaping up to be a special year of resilience and joy in the face of unprecedented challenges. Join us for events throughout the month showcasing art, music, food, film, cultural celebrations, advocacy opportunities, and community gatherings with friends new and old.

Together, let’s BE the community we want the world to be. Below you’ll find a list of all the Month of Welcome events with links to each for more information and details on how to participate. Whether you come to one event or all of them, your presence and support strengthen our shared commitment to hospitality and inclusion.

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The Month of Welcome Events

First Friday with Jeanette Rankin Peace Center & Missoula Peace Quilters

Date: Friday, September 5
Time: 5:00 to 8:00
Location: Jeanette Rankin Peace Center
Celebrate Missoula’s welcoming spirit through art and connection with Soft Landing Missoula, the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, and the Missoula Peace Quilters. Enjoy an evening of quilts, community conversations, and shared creativity.

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Sunday Streets Missoula

Date: Sunday, September 7
Time: 12:00 to 4:00
Location: Missoula North Side
Celebrate community at Sunday Streets during the Month of Welcome! Stop by Soft Landing’s tables for henna and learn your name in a new language script. Music, games, food, and fun for all ages on the North Side!

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Odd Pitch Brewing Trivia Takeover with Deli Arepas

Date: Monday, September 8
Time: 6:00 to 8:00
Location: Odd Pitch Brewing
Test your global knowledge, enjoy local brews, and savor Venezuelan arepas at this fun trivia night. A perfect event for friends, food lovers, and anyone who wants to celebrate cultural diversity.

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Common Goal Friendraiser at Five on Black

Date: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 4:00 to 8:00
Location: Five on Black (Both Locations)
During The Month of Welcome Soft Landing Missoula invites you to learn more about Common Goal. Enjoy a delicious meal at Five on Black and support their mission in making soccer accessible for everyone!

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Stories of Home

Date: Friday, September 12
Time: 6:00 to 8:00
Location: The ZACC
Our cornerstone event for The Month of Welcome, Stories of Home invites you to hear firsthand from refugees and immigrants about what “home” means to them. Join us for the 5th year in a row to deepen your understanding of the diverse journeys that shape our community through documentary short films and a panel discussion.

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Viva Montana: Latin Heritage Festival

Date: Saturday, September 13
Time: 10:00am to 9:00pm
Location: Caras Park, Missoula
Experience the vibrant music, dance, and food of Latin America at this joyful celebration. Join Viva Montana in honoring the cultural richness and contributions of our Latinx neighbors as part of the Month of Welcome.

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Party with a Purpose at Soft Landing Missoula

Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 5:30 to 7:30
Location: Soft Landing Community Center
Love international food, gathering with friends, and taking action? Join us for all three at the Soft Landing Community Center. Grab a delicious dinner by Deli Arepas and other international food trucks while you get a behind-the-scenes look at the work of welcoming in Missoula. 

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Women’s Self Defense Class

Date: Sunday September 21
Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Location: The YMCA Missoula
Take part in a women’s self defense class taught by UNHCR certified coach Eman Alsen, originally from Syria. Hosted by the YMCA for The Month of Welcome, this class shares the strength and resilience of women refugees with the women of Missoula. This class is free and you do not have to be a member of the YMCA to attend.

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United We Eat Supper Club

Date: Tuesday, September 23
Time: 5:30 to 7:30
Location: Burns St. Kitchen
Reserve your spot to experience shared meals prepared by refugee and immigrant chefs, celebrating culture and connection through food. These dinners are a beloved part of United We Eat, Soft Landing Missoula’s culinary program and we are excited to share one with you during The Month of Welcome.

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Pakistani Dinner & a Show!

Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: 5:30 to 9:00
Location: The Roxy Theater Annex & Senior Center Parking Lot
Enjoy a night of food, film, and community! Grab dinner from Zeera Food Truck, then head to The Roxy Annex for a free screening of a Pakistani feature film that celebrates the richness of South Asian storytelling.

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Volunteer & Donor Appreciation Party

Date: Tuesday, September 30
Time: 6:00 to 8:00
Location: Burns St. Community Center
What a better time to celebrate all the people that make Soft Landing Missoula’s work possible than The Month of Welcome. More information, invites, and RSVP forthcoming.

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This September, let’s make Missoula shine as a true city of welcome. We invite all Missoulians and friends to come together through these events, to build strong bonds and create a community grounded in openness and care.

We can’t wait to see you there!

At Soft Landing Missoula, we are continually inspired by the vibrant ecosystem of support that surrounds our refugee and immigrant neighbors in Missoula. Refugees and immigrants often arrive in their new home with very few material possessions, landing in a place where they know very few people- if any at all. As you can imagine, it takes perseverance, hope, and enormous effort for a family to rebuild a life. The rebuilding process is, of course, made much better if you have a strong community of partners on your side, offering a helping hand, a warm smile, and opportunity for joy along this difficult path. 

Soft Landing Missoula is here to help newcomers build a true and lasting supportive community- something that simply cannot be done by us alone. We have found an enthusiastic willingness by countless individuals and partners in Missoula to be part of the ecosystem of a welcoming community, creating a living, breathing network of connection, where each partnership tells a story of hope, understanding, and mutual growth. 

While we work with partners in almost every aspect of what we do each day, we would love to share a bit about our Youth Program to exemplify our community’s participation in the work of welcome. We first entered this space through the request of new arrival families looking for academic support for their children, as well as interest from Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) to work with us to find ways to bolster the growth of the ELL (English Language Learning) services they were able to offer. Starting out, we utilized our pool of volunteer interest to help boost ELL support in the schools while we began to also grow our own Youth Program to provide general academic mentorship for newcomer families. Today, this program has grown to engage over a hundred youth and young adults annually with steady, loving, and empowering academic (and recreational!) support for students from middle school through college ages.

Our Youth Programs show the power of community partnerships in creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. At the heart of these efforts is our after-school tutoring program, in continued partnership with MCPS and generously hosted by St. Paul Lutheran Church. When we outgrew our original office space due to the increasing number of students we serve, St. Paul opened their doors and hearts to us free of charge, providing a steady, nurturing environment for learning and growth. Today, we support over 70 kids through this program, and have celebrated the high school graduations of over 23 plus 12 set to graduate this year, thanks in part to the dedication of the St. Paul snack ladies who ensure every child is fueled up for their studies!

Our academic mentorship has grown to support 14 remarkable college students, with the potential to help four more in 2025. The University of Montana has become a true partner in this journey, offering comprehensive support for refugee students’ academic and campus experiences. The Davidson Honors College has been a steadfast ally, providing volunteer connections, program spaces, campus tour support, and serving as an AmeriCorps campus partner. They also help with our holiday gift drive every year.

The Office for Student Success and Franke Global Leadership Initiative have taken a thoughtful approach by providing partial funding of our College Coach position and recruiting a dedicated intern to help refugee students connect with essential campus resources. By collaborating with the Office for Global Engagement and the Lifelong Learning Center, we’ve created a supportive network that addresses the unique challenges faced by refugee students. Our work spans multiple educational stages, from inspiring high school students to pursue college to helping current students navigate UM’s institutional processes and course requirements.

As the Youth program has grown to extend beyond general academic support, community partners have played a crucial role in enriching the lives of refugee and immigrant youth through additional creative and cultural programming- often by being the ones to initiate a relationship with us. Bathing Beauties Beads offers beading workshops, while The Clay Studio provides free pottery classes, both sparking creativity and pride in our young participants. The Roxy Theater adds cultural richness, donating their annex space twice a year for movie showings and offering an opportunity for students to practice skills in public spaces like ordering food and theater etiquette. From “Space Jam” to “Black Panther” to “The Princess Bride,” these events create shared experiences that transcend cultural boundaries and help build friendships in and outside of our program. SpectrUM brings innovative STEM learning tools to our office through their mobile programming, sparking curiosity and creativity among youth visiting the community center. The Missoula Public Library also offers space every year for our summer academic programming, whether it is a book club or a science outdoors program. Nathan Stone was an important community partner/volunteer the last two years facilitating this group.  Big Sky Watershed Education Network also provided some guided programming for our science group this summer.  

Physical activities form an essential part of our youth programs, teaching valuable life skills and making sure newcomer kids have access and opportunity for participation in the same activities that other Missoula kids enjoy. Here Montana and Freestone Climbing Gym offer free rock climbing opportunities that teach kids not just a sport, but confidence and teamwork, while Strikers FC offers scholarships and peer transportation to provide many refugee youth access to the joy of soccer, an internationally played sport that many kids already know and love.  

For nearly four years, Girls on Shred has been introducing middle and high school girls to snowboarding, fostering a sense of adventure and camaraderie. The Missoula Ski Education Foundation (MSEF) has been a game-changer for our high school students, now in its third year of collaboration. MSEF goes beyond by fundraising for ski days, providing passes to volunteers, pairing students with mentor families, and coordinating logistics and meals. Ice skating has become a beloved annual tradition, now in its fourth year, with the Women+ Hockey Association of Missoula (WHAM!) volunteers offering their expertise on the ice. The Missoula Alliance Church (MAC) has been instrumental in making these events possible, providing funding and transportation support for both our ice skating outings and summer days at Splash Montana. These partnerships, along with support from the Hellgate and Sentinel Key Clubs and the UM Experiential Learning Center, who assist with our holiday gift bags, demonstrate the community’s commitment to creating inclusive recreational experiences for all Missoula youth.

MAC also provides the use of their space at the Welcome House for our High School Girls Leadership Council. Dunrovin Ranch and E-bar-L ranch also both provided opportunities for us to take our middle and high school girls groups horseback riding this summer. The Peas Farm partners with us to bring our New Arrivals Club to their farm and learn about local food production as well as hosting us for the Pumpkin Party every year. 

One of our newest and most dynamic youth initiatives is the Soft Landing Missoula middle school GIRLS! (Girls Immigrant and Refugee Leadership Squad) program. This group embodies the collaborative spirit of our community, with the girls themselves taking the lead in choosing activities and shaping the program’s direction. Missoula Parks and Recreation has been an invaluable partner in bringing these activities to life, from ice skating to sledding, fostering confidence and community connections. Their long-standing support extends to facilitating accessible enrollment for refugee families in summer camps and this year, they’re piloting an after-school program with GIRLS!, providing transportation and staff support for weekly social, recreational, and academic activities.

We’ve also partnered with Earth Within Girls, who lead empowering workshops on self-discovery and personal health, creating safe spaces for young women to explore their identities and build lasting friendships. Our programming has expanded to include a soccer program facilitated by community partner Bela Bucciarelli in collaboration with CS Porter Middle School, and a summer dancing workshop led by Lizzi Juda from Turning the Wheel.

In addition to all the amazing partners we get to work with on the daily we have a number of other partners that donate to the youth program! Whether it’s opportunities, supplies, food or anything else you can think of they are there for us! Bridge Pizza, Big Dipper, Sweet Peaks, The Missoula Food Bank, The Roxy Theater, Big Sky Arcade, Hockey Wolf, A Carousel for Missoula, and Ace Hardware are just some of the amazing partners that help us provide the sweetest treats and sturdiest equipment to make all our programmatic activities thrive.

At Soft Landing Missoula, we recognize that our work is about more than providing services – it’s about creating a truly welcoming ecosystem where every individual can get support for their unique needs and dreams. Each partnership, each shared moment, each small act of kindness contributes to a larger narrative of community, understanding, and mutual respect. Together, we are building a Missoula where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated – where every new neighbor can find not just a soft landing, but a true home. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible.

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From Small Beginnings to Bountiful Harvests

Garden City Harvest’s community garden plots have become a cherished resource for many of Missoula’s refugee families, offering a bridge to cherished agricultural roots and a path that can contribute to self-sufficiency. For over five years, we’ve partnered with Garden City Harvest to provide garden spaces for our clients, with a particular interest from the Congolese gardeners!

Many refugee families come to Missoula from subsistence farming backgrounds, bringing with them a wealth of agricultural knowledge. These garden plots serve as more than just a source of food; they’re a way to connect with the land in a new home, preserve knowledge and tradition, and learn new things. This connection between old and new, the pride that comes with a successful harvest, and the simple time spent outdoors has an incredible impact on wellness and mental health. As one family shared, they initially chuckled at the smaller plot size in relation to the larger scale subsistence farming they were used to, but they soon embraced the opportunity to teach their children about gardening and found joy in working in the soil again.

What started as modest plots has blossomed into larger farming endeavors. Several Congolese families have expanded their gardening efforts to Tower Gardens, a part of FARM- Future Agricultural Resources for Montana, where they now cultivate nearly half an acre of land. This growth reflects not only their agricultural expertise but also their determination to provide fresh food for their families.

These larger plots allow families to grow staples like beans and corn on a bigger scale. It’s inspiring to see women working the land with their children, using traditional tools like hoes and often working barefoot.

One of the most exciting aspects of these gardens for the families that work them is the cultivation of culturally significant crops. For example, lenga lenga (amaranth), often considered a weed in the U.S., is a familiar food source for Congolese families and has become a popular crop among Congolese gardeners in Missoula. This is one of many “unique” crops now intentionally grown using these garden plots-  highlighting the importance of access to land for preserving cultural food traditions and the adaptability of refugee and immigrant growers.

Nourishing Community: The Garden City Harvest CSA Partnership

Our collaboration with Garden City Harvest’s River Road Farm CSA program has evolved into a vital source of fresh, organic produce for refugee families served by Soft Landing Missoula. Over the past three years, this partnership has grown to meet the unique needs of our increasingly diverse community. 

What began as a distribution of surplus produce has transformed into a carefully curated selection that caters to the culinary preferences of our clients. Popular items include onions, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, leeks, and hot peppers. We’ve also discovered a high demand for herbs like parsley, which is beloved by families from Yemen and Syria.

The CSA now functions like a mini farmer’s market at Little Twigs Childcare, another partner of Soft Landing Missoula who employs and serves many refugee and immigrant families in Missoula. This CSA program that Soft Landing Missoula helps administer, serves around 25 families throughout the summer. As one Little Twigs staff member noted, “People are always excited when the fresh vegetables arrive. It’s a huge relief for them to have fresh, organic, healthy food for their families.”

This program has also fostered a beautiful exchange of culinary traditions. Little Twigs has an on-site kitchen where food for the staff and children is lovingly prepared. As their refugee and immigrant staff numbers have grown, so has the diversity of cultures represented, leading to a rich sharing of cooking techniques and ingredient uses. For instance, many women share knowledge about the medicinal properties of various vegetables, such as beets for iron or special preparations for new mothers.

The locally grown, organic produce available to refugee and immigrant families through these valuable partnerships not only provides nutritious food but also helps  maintain connections to  culinary heritage. It’s not only about feeding bodies, but also nurturing souls, preserving traditions, and growing a more connected, resilient Missoula community. 

Special thanks to Garden City Harvest’s Greg, Ian, Rye, Emily, Dylan and Tara at River Road Community Garden and Farm, Tower Gardens, Little Twigs Childcare for making this partnership possible and Soft Landing Missoula’s Director of Community Partnerships & Client Engagement Greta Bates.

Presented by Soft Landing Missoula

The fourth annual Stories of Home event recently brought together the Missoula community to explore how we define “home”. For many refugees and immigrants who have settled in our city, this seemingly simple topic unveils a mix of emotions, memories, and hopes for the future.

On a rainy evening, the ZACC auditorium filled with anticipation as attendees gathered to listen to the stories of four remarkable individuals who now call Missoula home. Their inspiring narratives captivated the audience and offered a window into the refugee and immigrant experience.

The event showcased the diverse meanings of “home” through stunning photography by Helen Rolston Clemmer and heartfelt written stories by Meli Slater,  Outreach and Communications Manager for Soft Landing Missoula. These multimedia presentations brought to life the journeys of Tanya, Malak, Ange, and Pathou, each with their unique perspective on what it means to create a home in a new land.

For those who couldn’t attend, we’re excited to share these powerful stories and images with you through the Stories of Home website . They highlight the resilience, hope, and determination that mark the refugee and immigrant experience in Missoula. 

Home is more than just a physical space. For those who have experienced displacement, it can be a cherished memory of the place left behind, the comfort found in a loved one’s embrace, a dream of future stability, or the community that welcomes them.

While each story is unique, common threads emerge. There is the courage to start anew in an unfamiliar place, finding joy in small victories and cultural connections, and navigating the challenges of building a life in a different country.

These stories offer a window into the lives of Missoula’s newest residents. Tanya’s journey from Ukraine illustrates her struggle to leave Odessa amidst war. She reflects on her new life in Missoula, where she has rekindled her passion for music and found solace in community support while holding onto memories of home.

Malak’s story from Iraq showcases her joyful spirit as she embraces life in Missoula after years of waiting for resettlement. Her bond with family remains strong as she navigates her new environment, finding empowerment through education and community involvement.

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Ange’s experiences from Uganda emphasize the importance of peace and belonging. She has thrived academically despite language barriers and is now pursuing a nursing career to give back to her community. Her connection to her cultural roots remains vibrant as she shares traditional meals with her family. 

Pathou’s journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights his dedication to providing a better life for his children while advocating for refugee rights. His commitment to education and community service reflects his desire to contribute positively to his new home.

The hope of sharing these stories is to foster understanding within the wider Missoula community. It celebrates the diversity that enriches our city and reminds us all of our shared humanity, regardless of origin. Through these shared narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of what it means to create a home in a new land and how we can all contribute to making Missoula a place where everyone feels they belong. We encourage you to read each of the full stories on the Stories of Home website. These personal accounts offer deeper insights into the experiences of our community members. Additionally, don’t miss the front page article in the Missoulian about this year’s event, which provides a comprehensive overview of the impact and significance of Stories of Home in our community.Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Stories of Home a great success. We look forward to bringing you new stories next year.

At Soft Landing Missoula, we recognize the many ways in which refugees and asylees contribute to our communities.

As Missoula families work and play alongside our new neighbors, we experience first-hand the benefits of a more diverse community. By sharing the richness of cultural practices and traditions, teaching us about experiences that create resilience and strength, and showing us a window to the increasingly global world we all live in, refugees and immigrants offer an essential perspective on what it means to be a good neighbor. This is especially important for a rural state like Montana. 

Economic Contributions of Refugees and Asylees

According to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), refugees and asylees also provide significant economic benefit to our communities. This study reveals the remarkable contributions of refugees and asylees to the American economy and sheds light on the invaluable role these individuals play in shaping our nation’s economic landscape.

Refugees and asylees have not only contributed significantly to government revenues but have brought a fiscal benefit to both federal and state governments across the US. Over a 15-year period, refugees and asylees have made a substantial fiscal impact of nearly $124 billion, with approximately $92.3 billion benefiting state and local governments and $31.5 billion benefiting the federal government. These figures highlight the overwhelmingly positive influence refugees and asylees have on our economy.

This study also helps to debunk the misconceptions surrounding the economic burden often associated with refugee resettlement. Refugees and asylees have proven to be positive contributors, surpassing the cost of public services through their tax contributions. Over the 15-year period examined, their tax payments totaled a staggering $581 billion, far surpassing the $457.2 billion spent on government services. As Robin Dunn Marcos, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Humanitarian Services, aptly stated, “We have witnessed for years the significant contributions that refugees and asylees provide to our communities and workplaces.” Indeed, the report serves as a testament to the resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and economic dynamism of refugee and asylee populations.

Addressing Workforce Challenges in Montana

Economic impacts of refugees and immigrants can be especially significant in Montana where our aging population is leading to a decline in labor force participation. Montana is among the top 10 states in the nation with the highest percentage of residents 65 and older. The 2023 Montana State Plan on Aging underscores this rising percentage, highlighting the pressing need for solutions to sustain the workforce. Retirements have led to a decline in labor force participation, as noted in the 2023 Montana Labor Day Report, exacerbating workforce shortages. Refugee and asylee families, often young and dynamic, engage in bolstering the local economy. While they may not be the sole solution to this challenge, they certainly play an essential role in addressing the economic implications of Montana’s aging population. By actively participating in the workforce, they bring fresh energy and skills, offering a promising outlook for combatting the economic challenges presented by our state’s demographic shifts.

As we celebrate the profound positive impact that refugees and asylees bring to their new American home- economic and otherwise- we can see how important it is to foster inclusive communities where newcomers can thrive and contribute their talents. We are hopeful the insights from this new report can be a part of informing evidence-based decision-making and advancing policies that uphold America’s tradition of welcoming vulnerable families from around the globe. Together, we can continue creating a more inclusive and welcoming America for generations to come.