Chef Jenny Han, known for her innovative “KoCajun” fusion of Korean and Cajun cuisine, has closed her Providence pop-up restaurant Hanju Kitchen and returned to South Korea. Over the past five years, Hanju Kitchen gained a loyal following with dishes like gumbo ramen and bulgogi hot dogs, reflecting Han’s personal journey between Korea and the U.S. Despite her success and strong community ties, Han cited escalating financial costs and increasing uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies as key reasons for closing. Han’s experience highlights the struggles faced by over 10,000 immigrant entrepreneurs in Rhode Island, who must navigate complex immigration rules, rising fees, and processing delays. These challenges threaten not only individual businesses but also the broader local economy, as immigrant-owned enterprises play a significant role in job creation. Han, who came to the U.S. at 16 and trained as a chef in Rhode Island, described the difficult decision to leave as influenced by the growing insecurity around immigration rights and protections. Her departure underscores the impact of hostile federal immigration policies on immigrant entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.