Why Columbus, Ohio’s Economic and Cultural Boom Needs More Refugees
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Why Columbus, Ohio’s Economic and Cultural Boom Needs More Refugees

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Our American-born workforce is aging, and Ohioans are having fewer children. As two proud Columbus leaders, in the midst of this historic moment for our city, we see an obvious solution.

Andrew Ginther and Don DePerro
| Opinion Contributors

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The secret is out: Columbus, Ohio is an incredible place to live.

Earlier this year, Columbus was named the fastest-growing metro area in the country. And experts say that trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

This situation has its advantages: we are in a period of economic and cultural boom. It also has its challenges. More and more people need housing, transportation, child care, health care and teachers. Businesses tell us every day that they need more workers.

As two proud Columbus leaders, in the midst of this historic moment for our city, we see a clear solution: we must continue to welcome refugees. Our American-born workforce is aging, and Ohioans are having fewer children. Welcoming refugees is not only the right thing to do, it’s also smart economics.

How refugees support and strengthen our economy

Refugees already support and strengthen our economy. According to 2022 data from the American Immigration Council, 97% of Ohio refugees are employed. They pay $418.4 million in annual taxes and have $1.4 billion in purchasing power.

When refugees arrive here from war and persecution, they demonstrate a determination and courage that many Ohioans would recognize in themselves. And in doing so, they become our colleagues, our customers, our business partners and our neighbors.

What is the “scourge of migrant-related crime”? Decades of criminal justice research debunks the fears that are propagated.

That’s why we’re supporting a bipartisan letter from state and local elected leaders across Ohio—and across the country—to President Joe Biden, calling on him to invest in a strong, well-funded, and sustainable federal system to welcome people seeking safety and help them rebuild their lives here.

It’s time we prioritize a solution that not only keeps people safe and makes a meaningful difference in individual lives, but also makes central Ohio – and the entire state – stronger.

From Refugee Road to German Village and Beyond

Welcoming newcomers has deep historical and cultural roots in Columbus. We are reminded of this tradition of welcome every day in our neighborhoods and at our family dinner tables. From Refugee Road to German Village and beyond, many of us in Columbus can trace our family history back to the decision to come here for a better chance at life.

We already have tremendous leadership from organizations and employers across the city and state who are helping us do the welcoming work that reaffirms our values ​​as Ohioans. The City and Columbus Chamber of Commerce were proud to work alongside a multi-sector group of leaders to develop the Central Ohio Immigrant and Refugee Welcoming Plan, a strategy to ensure that every aspect of our region—from our workforce to our education system to our city services—is accessible and creates opportunity for the diverse and vibrant populations we serve.

America needs more immigrants: Misinformation that immigrants don’t pay taxes or are a drain on resources is not only false, it harms society.

Columbus is proud to be represented in Vibrant Ohio, an organization of communities across the state committed to welcoming newcomers and ensuring their success in order to build a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous state.

Elected officials from Toledo to Cleveland joined our call to President Biden: “Please invest in pathways for families seeking safety to find sanctuary here and reaffirm a strong commitment to refugee resettlement.”

It’s time to let the world know that the Ohio welcome sign is on.

Andrew Ginther is the mayor of Columbus, Ohio, and Don DePerro is the CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

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