FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2025
Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
As Minnesota’s next Governor, I am committed to a legal, practical, and compassionate approach to immigration that prioritizes our state’s workforce needs, protects our current citizens, and upholds the rule of law. My administration will focus on training and work placement for Minnesotans, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to thrive in our economy before expanding opportunities to others. We will balance compassion for those in need with the responsibility to safeguard our resources and fight fraud and exploitation in all forms.
Immigration must be orderly and lawful, aligning with federal regulations to maintain fairness and security. I propose establishing a streamlined Office of Workforce Integration to vet and match legally authorized immigrants—such as refugees, asylees, and visa holders—with employers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. This office will partner with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to prioritize job placement for Minnesota citizens first, offering robust training programs to equip our workforce with the skills needed to fill these roles. Only after addressing local needs will we facilitate employment for vetted immigrants, ensuring they contribute to our economy through continuous work and self-sufficiency.
To protect taxpayers, I will cut handout programs that incentivize dependency and strain public resources. Instead, we will invest in workforce development, providing Minnesotans with certifications, apprenticeships, and job placement services to meet employer demands. For immigrants, any state support will be tied to maintaining employment and pursuing federal pathways to permanent residency, such as employer-sponsored green cards. This approach ensures that those who come to Minnesota legally are here to build a better life through hard work, not to rely on public benefits.
Compassion drives us to help those genuinely in need, but we must also be vigilant against fraud and exploitation. My administration will strengthen oversight, using tools like E-Verify to ensure only authorized workers are hired and collaborating with federal agencies to conduct thorough background checks. We will crack down on employers who exploit vulnerable immigrants or undercut wages for Minnesotans, enforcing strict penalties to maintain a fair labor market. Additionally, we will support nonprofits like the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota to provide legal guidance, ensuring immigrants are treated justly while preventing fraudulent immigration claims.
Minnesota’s future depends on a strong, skilled workforce and a commitment to fairness. By prioritizing our citizens, enforcing legal immigration, and fostering economic opportunity, we can build a state that is both compassionate and prosperous. Together, we will create a Minnesota where hard work is rewarded, fraud is rooted out, and every individual has a chance to succeed.
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
###