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Minnesota News
Sarah Thamer

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota eliminates staff positions

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Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is eliminating some staff positions, after the Trump administration's suspension of the Refugee Admissions Program in January. 

Program officials say 27 staff members are affected. The organization employs 2,500 people. 

In a statement, Senior Vice President of Services Alexis Oberdorfer said, "With no federal funding for refugee resettlement services, we are in the unfortunate position of having to reduce our staffing for this work."

The organization helps refugees find employment and safe housing, among other services. 

Trump signed the executive order halting the Refugee Admissions Program on his first day in office. 

The action immediately disrupted efforts of refugee resettlement agencies in Minnesota.

Advocates have pointed out misconceptions about the Refugee Admissions Program, which was established in 1980 and has provided a legal pathway for people to immigrate. Through the federally funded program, resettlement agencies were financially prepared to welcome refugees, who have been vetted. 

Oberdorfer said a core team in refugee resettlement services will remain to support families through state grants and private funding. 

“We have connected affected team members with our Human Resources team to help transition them into other open roles internally or externally,” Oberdorfer said in a statement.

Lutheran Social Service is an underwriter for MPR News