Minneapolis voices respond to US refugee cap | JQJO

On Minneapolis’ Lake Street, Somali-owned cafes and shops show what refugees built, even as the Trump administration capped admissions at 7,500—down from 125,000—and prioritized Afrikaners from South Africa. Community members like Nasra Hassan pointed to a corridor revived by arrivals from Somalia, Mexico, Myanmar, the Congo and Ukraine. Advocates called the move a break with U.S. tradition; Murad Awawdeh said it “shut the door” on people fleeing persecution. Activist Fartun Weli warned of workforce strains if newcomers stop coming, while Minnesota’s roughly 87,000 Somali residents are visible in local councils, the legislature and business hubs.