Paul Nordmann
Bilqis Rezai with her daughters, Fatima and Zahra Nazari, and st. charles resident andy bass, who helped the family move here from afghanistan.
St. Louis is a cultural melting pot that welcomes immigrants and refugees from around the globe. In recent years, the metro area has played a vital role in resettling refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries. Local leaders have urged U.S. officials to make St. Louis a go-to destination for refugees and immigrants who are seeking a new home. “Know that we are ready, and we accept that next wave of Americans with open arms,” said Greater St. Louis Inc. CEO Jason Hall.
“St. Louis has made it known that our region is a place where immigrants can flourish once they arrive,” said Arrey Obenson, president and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis. “We’re ringing the welcome bell once again as thousands of Afghans are looking for new homes right now. And we could say the same of Ukrainians with the ongoing war.” The International Institute is working to bring an additional 1,000 Afghan families to the metro area in the next three years, in addition to the 600 Afghans who have already come since the takeover by the Taliban.
courtesy of Andy Bass
zahra Nazari at a market in afghanistan.
Since 1979, the International Institute has welcomed nearly 25,000 refugees. Sponsoring a refugee means that transportation is provided for families from the airport to their new homes and that “housing, food, and other basic needs” and expenses are covered for the first 90 days they reside in the United States. There are additional services that extend beyond this period, including classes on citizenship, English, and computer training, as well as assistance helping newcomers identify potential career paths and providing training on résumé writing, interviewing, and searching for jobs. The organization also hosts Festival of Nations, which draws more than 125,000 people to Tower Grove Park each summer to celebrate diversity through food, music, crafts, and dance performances.
Then there’s the Mosaic Project, which is committed to increasing the region’s foreign-born population, with a goal of making St. Louis the “fastest-growing metropolitan area for immigration by 2025.” Before the pandemic, St. Louis ranked among the top three fastest-growing cities for immigration: Approximately 5 percent of St. Louis’ population is foreign born, with the largest groups of immigrants coming from India, Mexico, China, and Bosnia. The Mosaic Project has been endeavoring to add another 25,000 foreign-born people between 2016 and 2025—a number that the city was on track to meet, welcoming 3,000 people per year. While it slowed during the pandemic, executive director Betsy Cohen is optimistic that “we will get back on that growth trajectory.”
courtesy of The St. Louis Mosaic Project
To that end, The Mosaic Project is taking different tacks, such as retaining international students who move to St. Louis for college. “Before the pandemic, we would typically have about 9,000 international students from many countries,” says Cohen, “and 50 to 60 percent are in the STEM fields.” A federal policy allows students in those fields to stay and work for three years after graduation under their student visa—something many companies aren’t aware of, Cohen says.
There are also efforts to grow Hispanic and Indian populations—today the city’s largest immigrant groups. An online resource, stlparati.com, was created to attract Hispanics to St. Louis, and cultural institutions are also playing a role: The Magic House has hosted a special exhibit called Namaste India, and the Saint Louis Art Museum is showcasing Indian textiles in Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz (closing January 8).
Many other St. Louis–based organizations help newcomers adjust to life in the U.S. Oasis International works to provide refugees with a fresh start by partnering with local businesses, churches, and residents. The organization offers English and citizenship classes, in addition to providing furniture, housing, and clothing for refugees. Oasis also helps build community for new residents by hosting birthday parties, back-to-school events, and other holiday celebrations.
Welcome Neighbor STL is a grassroots effort that seeks to partner, connect, and empower immigrant families. The group hosts social gatherings, citizenship classes, and even driving lessons. During its Supper Club events, refugees cook meals from their native countries while earning an income. In a similar fashion, Forai trains immigrant women to make jewelry and textiles, which are later sold for a profit so women can earn an income while staying at home with their children.
Studies show that immigrants are 60 percent more likely to start a business—proof of this abounds throughout St. Louis. There’s no shortage of stores and restaurants that offer international fare. Jay International Food Co. on South Grand sells produce and shelf-stable foods from across the globe. United Provisions specializes in international foods and has a grab n’ go department with fresh sushi. Zain’s African International Store sells food and other wares from Africa and the Caribbean. Baghdad Halal Supermarket is a Middle Eastern market that stocks everything from pita to rugs and dishes.
Everest Café and Bar serves up Nepalese, Indian, and Korean food under one roof. Over on Cherokee, La Vallesana, Taqueria El Bronco, and Taqueria Hectorito offer authentic tacos. On South Grand, you can find Ethiopian food at Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant, Lebanese delicacies at The Vine, and Turkish cuisine at Sheesh—among a much longer menu of international options.
TAKING OFF
In summer 2022, the German airline Lufthansa began offering nonstop service between St. Louis and Frankfurt three times a week. It’s estimated that this transatlantic route will add $50–$100 million per year to the metro area’s economy. While St. Louis and European businesses have long had economic ties, the nonstop flights allow St. Louis “to lay claim to being more global than we ever have been,” says Tim Nowak, executive director of the World Trade Center in St. Louis. “We sell goods and services all around the globe. We are a global city.”
