MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Over two decades ago, when she first arrived, the streets were lined with vacant storefronts and pervasive poverty. Today, however, Minneapolis’ Lake Street corridor is bustling with businesses, many of which are owned by Somali refugees.
Nasra Hassan, a community health worker whose family fled the civil war in Somalia, states, “Look at what we did around here. Because of us, this place is thriving.” Her sentiment resonates with many in the large Somali community of Minnesota, known for its role in revitalizing neighborhoods and contributing to the local economy.
Following a presidential order that limits annual refugee admissions to just 7,500—a drastic reduction from 125,000—the community faces new uncertainties. Hassan questions, “Where would America be without us?” She voices the collective concerns of Somali refugees, who alongside other immigrant groups, have significantly impacted the area.
Other immigrant communities, arriving from various regions including Mexico and Myanmar, have also left their mark, contributing to diverse businesses that enrich the local culture.
In the face of stringent immigration policies, the Somali community stands as a testament to resilience, represented in local governance and civic life, including figures such as Rep. Ilhan Omar. The Karmel Mall serves as a cultural center for Somali residents, offering everything from businesses to social support systems.
As activists like Fartun Weli stress the importance of these communities, they recognize that the ability to care for aging populations and fill labor shortages hangs in the balance. “Who is going to take care of our elders, or work in our factories?” she implores as she considers the potential fallout from reduced refugee resettlement.
With policies evolving and the narrative around refugees changing, Minnesota's Somali community remains an emblem of hope and strength, advocating for those still in need of a safe haven.
