The What and Why
The North Star Alliance intends to protect Minnesota communities and our economy from federal overreach. Nearly 210,000 Minnesotans (about 1 in 28) are noncitizens, and nearly 500,000 Minnesotans (roughly 1 in 11) are foreign-born.
Noncitizens are an integral part of our communities and workforce. The federal government’s own data shows that places that declined to enforce immigration laws have lower rates of crime, poverty and unemployment. Despite these indicators, the federal government has made mass deportation a priority.
Recognizing the need to protect Minnesota communities and our economy from federal overreach, the North Star Alliance proposes the North Star Act to:
Protect All Minnesota Residents
The North Star Act prohibits state agencies from inquiring into or conditioning services on an individual’s place of birth, immigration or citizenship status, unless expressly required under federal or state law.
The Impacts
Sustain Minnesota’s Economy
11% of Minnesota’s workforce is foreign born. Sectors such as health, education, manufacturing, and agriculture rely on an immigrant labor force. It is essential that state policy reflect their importance.¹
Safeguard Minnesota’s Tax Resources
The federal government does not reimburse the costs of local resources used to collaborate in immigration enforcement. Counties across the US have reported that partnering with ICE adds an annual cost of $3 – $5 million. Local governments must prioritize the needs of their communities.²
Sustain Minnesota’s Tax Base
The work and purchasing power of Minnesota’s foreign-born population is critical to sustain Minnesota’s tax base. Undocumented noncitizens in Minnesota are also vital contributors, contributing nearly $500 million in tax revenue annually.³
Ensure Public Safety
A 2018 nationwide study of police officers documented that local enforcement of federal immigration laws resulted in an increase in racial profiling, greater fear in immigrant communities, and the erosion of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
¹ DEED. 2025. The Growth and Impact of Minnesota’s Foreign-Born Workforce https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/trends/mar-2025/foreign-born.jsp
² AIC. 2021.The 287(g) Program: An Overview https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/287g-program-immigration/
³ DEED. 2025. The Role of Undocumented Immigrants in Minnesota’s Workforce https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/trends/mar-2025/immigrants.jsp