International Institute of St. Louis shifts focus after Trump ends key immigration programs

Reported by STL Today

ST. LOUIS — Last year, a new initiative by the International Institute of St. Louis successfully brought in over 500 new residents, surpassing the nonprofit group’s goal of attracting 350 recent immigrants to a city and region that many leaders are trying to keep from shrinking.

The initiative stalled in January when President Donald Trump ended the “humanitarian parole” system, which had allowed over 500,000 people into the country in recent years. Among them were hundreds persuaded by the International Institute’s Latino Outreach Program to settle in St. Louis.

Now, the International Institute and its Latino Outreach initiative are pivoting, rebranding the program as “Move2STL” and working to lure those of Hispanic or Asian descent — provided they already have citizenship or a green card — to the region. Read more.