U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken placed the Welcome Corps in the context of our history when he said, “Providing a safe haven and a new home for people fleeing war, violence, and persecution is one of America’s noblest traditions, dating back to the founding of our nation. And throughout our history, our country has benefited from the energy, ingenuity, and hard work of refugees.” Our state of Minnesota is richer, both economically and culturally, because of the contributions of refugees.
Through Welcome Corps, Americans are again providing humanitarian leadership for those individuals and families around the world who face persecution, destruction and death from oppression and war. Americans are saving lives — like my family’s — and providing freedom and security. Americans are a bridge to safety.
Those Americans who choose to welcome refugees transform people’s lives. I can still remember the faces of James and Dorothy of Church World Services. In 1994, my family of 14 arrived in Denver, and James and Dorothy welcomed us, helping us settle into our new home and creating a sense of comfort. Dorothy visited us weekly to take the family shopping. James would play basketball with us. I was a teenager, and imagine my excitement when James purchased my first pair of sneakers.
For my family, Dorothy and James were living examples of the generous spirit of America. They showed us a compassion that touched our hearts forever. But, I did not know then what I know now. Dorothy and James were also courageous. I did not know how many Americans, like Donald Trump, hate refugees and do not want us here. I did not understand that welcoming a stranger is an act of courage. In a short time, these angry Americans came after my family. Our new home and car were attacked, and in response to those threats, my mother moved our family again, this time to San Diego. Dorothy and James were angels, not only for helping our family, but standing up against hatred to welcome refugees. (This story is told in detail in my new book, “The Transformational Leader: Twelve Practices for Driving Lasting Change.”)
To honor those who helped my family, I have dedicated much of my career to welcoming new Americans. From nonprofit direct service to funding programs in both philanthropy and government, I have supported efforts to build belonging. In 2020, I worked with Gov. Tim Walz to set up Minnesota’s Office of New Americans, bringing together new Americans, employers, local governments, nonprofits and other partners to create welcoming communities and a successful state economy.
Recently, my friend Maureen was informed by the U.S. government that her sponsored family could soon arrive. She is making last-minute preparations for their arrival, offering support and an open door to a new life for this family. When American citizens and refugees can come together, they continue the legacy of the U.S. as a welcoming nation with communities where diverse people can come together.
