St. Louis pushes US to send more refugees here. ‘We are ready.’

ST. LOUIS — Local leaders have a message for Washington: Bring America’s newest residents to St. Louis.

On Monday, the International Institute of St. Louis, backed by local civic, business, and faith leaders, asked three visiting U.S. officials to consider making the St. Louis region the top destination in the country for the thousands of refugees and immigrants expected in the U.S. each year.

They pointed to the region’s success, relying on community support and an army of volunteers to settle more than 600 Afghan refugees over the past year. And they say St. Louis is ready to bring more from around the world. Read more here.