Revitalization Through Resilience: The Impact of Somali Refugees on Minneapolis

Sat Nov 01 2025 05:46:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Minneapolis’ Lake Street corridor has transformed from a symbol of poverty to a thriving business area, largely thanks to the Somali refugee community. Amid policy changes reducing refugee admissions, this story highlights the contrast between political actions and community contributions.

Over the past two decades, Minneapolis' Lake Street corridor has been revitalized, thanks primarily to Somali refugees who opened businesses and fostered community development. With the Trump administration's recent drastic cuts to refugee admissions—capping them at 7,500, the lowest in 40 years—local advocates are voicing concerns about the future of the community they have helped build and sustain. This shift raises questions about America’s historical role as a refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The evolution of the Lake Street corridor in Minneapolis exemplifies how immigrant communities can breathe new life into struggling neighborhoods. More than 20 years ago, this area faced persistent poverty and a myriad of empty storefronts. Today, its streets are vibrant and bustling, filled with businesses primarily owned by members of the Somali refugee community.

Look at what we did around here, said Nasra Hassan, a community health worker whose family fled the civil war in Somalia and has grown to see their neighborhood thrive. Her remarks came a day after the Trump administration enacted a significant reduction in refugee admissions. Because of us, this place is thriving.

The Somali community, one of the largest immigrant groups in Minnesota, has played a critical role in revitalizing the Lake Street area, which has historically called out to newcomers searching for opportunity. In addition to Somali refugees, other immigrant groups from Mexico, Myanmar, the Congo, and Ukraine have also established businesses throughout the city.

Where would America be without us? Hassan questioned rhetorically, underscoring the contributions made by refugees and immigrants to the fabric of American society.

The recent presidential order to limit annual refugee admissions to 7,500 marks a stark decline of over 90% from the previous year's limit of 125,000. This is the smallest number since the refugee program's inception in 1980, significantly affecting communities that have long relied on the diversity and economic activity brought forth by immigrants.

Trump’s administration fueled a series of immigration restrictions that began with suspending the refugee resettlement program on his first day in office in 2025. The implications of such policies strike at the heart of America’s identity as a refuge for those escaping hardship.

Minnesota boasts the largest Somali community in the United States, estimated at around 87,000 individuals, primarily concentrated in Minneapolis. Arriving during the 1990s, many were drawn by supportive social services and the established community network.

Somali-Americans are now active in various facets of civic life, holding seats on city councils and in state legislatures, while also making their mark in entrepreneurial ventures like the Karmel Mall, which houses numerous Somali-owned businesses.

Who is going to take care of our elders, or work in our factories? asked Fartun Weli, emphasizing the looming uncertainty as refugee admissions dwindle. This narrative illustrates the pressing concerns of activists and community leaders about the future of those who seek refuge in the U.S., the integral roles they play in local economies, and the potential loss of cultural enrichment.”