St. Louis is facing an alarming demographic crisis, grappling with one of the steepest population declines among major U.S. cities. As families flee to the suburbs and the birth rate plummets, local leaders are pushing for immigrant entrepreneurship to rejuvenate the economy. However, the tightening grip of federal immigration policies under the Trump administration is casting a shadow over these efforts, particularly for Afghan refugees who surged into the city after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Blake Hamilton, CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, warns that fear is paralyzing the immigrant community. “Immigrants are afraid to work, send their kids to school, or seek healthcare,” he says, underscoring the urgent need for a welcoming environment to combat the city’s rapid decline. With deaths outpacing births, St. Louis is on the brink of a demographic winter that could cripple its economy.

The recent travel ban on Afghan refugees has intensified the distress of families still waiting to reunite with loved ones. “It makes me feel sad for my cousins and all Afghan women,” one refugee lamented, highlighting the emotional toll of restrictive policies. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, hope flickers. Entrepreneurs like Nagina Shinwari and Say Muhammad Anoir are vying for a $20,000 grant to launch businesses, determined to contribute to the city’s revival.

Fahim Muhammad, a restaurant owner, feels the weight of these challenges. “The labor shortage is palpable,” he states, reflecting on the broader economic impact of immigration restrictions. Despite these hurdles, he remains optimistic: “America is resilient.”

As St. Louis fights to reverse its population decline, the stakes have never been higher. The city needs people, and the immigrant community is poised to play a crucial role. The clock is ticking, and the future of St. Louis hangs in the balance.