Revitalizing Communities: The Impact of Refugee Entrepreneurs in Minneapolis

Sat Nov 01 2025 09:46:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

How Somali refugees transformed Minneapolis' Lake Street corridor into a thriving hub of commerce and culture amidst changing immigration policies.

Over the past two decades, Minneapolis' Lake Street corridor has witnessed a remarkable transformation, driven largely by Somali refugees fleeing war and conflict. Despite recent cuts to the U.S. refugee resettlement program, the Somali community has thrived, becoming integral to the local economy and culture. Leaders like Nasra Hassan highlight the indispensable contributions of refugees, questioning the future of communities impacted by restrictive immigration policies.

MINNEAPOLIS — Two decades ago, neighborhoods along Minneapolis’ Lake Street were marked by empty storefronts and poverty. Today, they buzz with activity, fueled by an influx of businesses primarily owned by Somali refugees.

“Look at what we did around here,” said Nasra Hassan, a community health worker from Somalia, reflecting on the vibrant community that has emerged in the wake of her and others’ resettlement. Despite governmental actions that have sharply decreased refugee admissions, she insists, “Because of us this place is thriving.”

Minnesota’s Somali population—now the largest in the U.S.—has played a pivotal role in revitalizing not just Lake Street but also contributing to the broader local economy alongside other refugee groups from regions facing violence such as Mexico, Myanmar, the Congo, and Ukraine.

The significance of refugee contributions is underscored in light of the Trump administration's 2025 decision to cut the refugee admission cap to just 7,500, reducing it by over 90% and marking the lowest level since the program's inception in 1980.

The shift in policy raises critical questions about the future of communities that thrived under previous immigration frameworks. Refugees like Hassan emphasize their integral role in keeping local economies stable, especially in sectors like healthcare and retail, which have increasingly relied on immigrant labor.

Fartun Weli, a Somali activist, also expresses concern over potential alienation of refugee families amid this policy shift. “Who is going to take care of our elders, or work in our factories?” she asks. “We cannot afford to lose such vital community members.”

Minnesota has long been seen as a haven for refugees, with its robust support systems and welcoming policies. However, as the landscape shifts under new federal guidelines, the need for a concerted community and advocacy response to safeguard and empower these vital populations is more pressing than ever. The flourishing of Hussein’s Karmel Mall serves as a testament to the resilience of refugees and their enduring impact on American society.