St. Louis, Missouri, continues to grapple with one of the steepest population declines among major US cities, prompting urgent questions about economic sustainability and demographic resilience. As birth rates fall and people leave the city, local initiatives aimed at immigrant entrepreneurship have taken center stage. But advocates say Donald Trump's immigration policy and travel restrictions have made those efforts increasingly difficult — particularly for refugees from Afghanistan, whose presence in St. Louis surged after 2021.
A new $20,000 grant competition highlights the city's hope that refugee-led businesses could help revitalize local communities and stabilize labor markets. As Afghan entrepreneurs pitch plans ranging from gemstone imports to fashion for South Asian women, civic leaders warn that ongoing uncertainty around immigration law may hinder growth. Will St. Louis find a way to reverse its demographic downturn and foster inclusive economic recovery?
This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.