Anna Crosslin, president of the International Institute in St. Louis, said that Bosnians are the best thing possible that could happen to this American city.
Crosslin said this in the context of the contribution of B&H citizens to development of St. Louis, especially some parts of the city that were completely abandoned. International Institute in St. Louis, the biggest non-profit organization which is helping to refugees, is currently working on the integration of Syrian refugees in this city.
According to report from 2012, which speaks about the economic impact of immigrants on the development of St. Louis, B&H citizens were those who revitalized an entire district by moving to the almost abandoned parts of the city, opening private companies, decorating houses etc.
Bosnians opened small businesses, including many successful bakeries, butcher shops, cafes, companies for house construction, insurance companies and freight forwarding services. They are the key source of highly qualified production work.
This report on the economic impact by Jack Strauss states that immigration is really important for the post-industrial cities such as St. Louis.
20 years ago, when the organization headed by Crosslin helped 9,000 B&H citizens to find shelter in this city, they encountered big resistance from local residents. They were afraid of the impact of refugees on the overall life in St. Louis.
“Two decades later, that feeling is gone. Now everyone can agree that the arrival of thousands of Bosnians is one of the best things that could happen to this city,” stated Crosslin.
According to unofficial data, a total of 70,000 of B&H citizens or persons originating from our country is living in St. Louis.
(Source: fokus.ba)
