Migrant economy in New York wilts amid fears of raids

Businesses declining, staff being dismissed as threat of arrest and deportation looms

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QUEENS - Mr Nader said the fear caused by US President Donald Trump's immigration policies has left the streets of his largely migrant neighbourhood in Queens, New York, empty, forcing him to shutter his furniture store.

"It is almost dead out here," said Mr Nader, a Palestinian-American who, like others in this article, declined to give his full name.

He described his neighbours' trepidation as having contributed to the worst business in his 35 years in the furniture trade.

"I have a lot of customers - especially from Guatemala - and nobody is coming to the streets to buy furniture," he said, explaining that people fear arrest and deportation.

The main square in Corona, Queens, once a bustling meeting point at the heart of the predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood, is now quiet with little foot traffic.

Sometimes, three days go by without a single sale, said 57-year-old Mr Nader.

Occupying a spot next to Corona's main drag, Roosevelt Avenue, Mr Nader said that "I never thought it would end like this", as he contends with unaffordable rent.