News & Updates
Open Letters
December 10, 2020
Ohio Congressional Delegation
United States Capitol
Washington, D.C.
Dear Honorable Ohio Congressional Delegation Members,
We are excited to share with you the news that Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) officially launched today! OBIS is a statewide coalition of chambers of commerce, trade associations, and individual businesses spanning all corners of the state focused on promoting responsible and common-sense immigration reform that strengthen our economy.
Over the past decade, immigrants have played a critical role in stabilizing Ohio’s population growth, revitalizing business corridors and boosting our state’s economy. Immigrants employ over 124,500 Ohioans, make up 13% of all STEM jobs and have paid $5.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, and reinjected a combined spending power of $14 billion into our economy in 2018 alone.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only brought the role of immigrants in Ohio into sharper focus. New Americans fill vital roles in our response efforts — helping maintain our food supply pipeline, meet our healthcare needs, and sustain our educational system — and will play a critical role in Ohio’s recovery. As policymakers continue to navigate the response to this crisis, it is imperative that no Ohioans are left behind. Our immigration system must ensure that immigrants can continue to thrive in the years to come, further strengthening Ohio’s economy and recovery.
Members of OBIS are committed to advancing immigration reforms at the local, state and federal levels, and are guided by the Ohio Compact on Immigration, a set of principles developed by OBIS members that seek to: strengthen our economy, attract and retain global talent, and bring new businesses to our state. We also believe in a data-driven approach to decision making, and to that end we are powered by the economic research of New American Economy (NAE), a bi-partisan research and advocacy organization.
Ohio’s businesses need immigration policies at the federal level that allow for more New Americans to further contribute to Ohio’s economy. These policies must be responsive to the needs of Ohio employers across the state, of every size and industry.
“We have joined Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions because we know that immigration brings innovative, talented workers to Ohio,” said Alex Fischer, president and CEO, Columbus Partnership. “We must pursue immigration policies that meet the needs of the Columbus Region and its many growing employers."
“Our primary focus at the Chamber is to drive economic growth and prosperity for Greater Akron by supporting the success of the business community,” said Steve Millard, President & CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “The history of Greater Akron is intertwined with the economic benefit of immigration – from the European, southern and Appalachian immigrants that made Akron one of America’s fastest growing cities in the early 20th century to a growing Nepalese community today, the success of our economy relies on continuing to inject and include new talent, energy and ideas from people that come to, and stay in, Greater Akron.”
“The members of the Ohio Grocers Association perform critical work ensuring that Ohioans have access to a safe and secure food supply. Immigrants play a vital role in this work,” said Kristin Mullins, President and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association. “We joined Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions to advocate for policies that strengthen Ohio’s food supply chain workforce.”
“Our membership is uniquely positioned to realize the impact of immigration on Ohio’s economy,” said Scott R. Williams, CEO, Ohio REALTORS. “Immigration has helped grow communities around our state, and REALTORS have been there to assist them in finding homes for their families. We joined Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions because we need immigration policies that allow more new Americans to put down roots in Ohio.”
The members of OBIS believe that immigration is not a partisan issue but an economic one. As the new Congress and federal Administration begin important work ahead, we would like to extend our offer to be a resource to help you better understand the importance of immigrants in our state and the need for a reasonable and responsive immigration system that will allow Ohio’s businesses and our economy to grow.
Warm Regards,
Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions
BioOhio
Cincinnati Compass
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Chamber of Greater Springfield, Ohio
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Columbus Partnership
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
Eastman & Smith LTD
Greater Akron Chamber
Greater Cleveland Partnership
Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Hispanic Chamber of Cincinnati USA
Lorain County Chamber of Commerce
Ohio Bankers League
Ohio Business Roundtable
Ohio Council for Homecare & Hospice
Ohio Grocers Association
Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association
Ohio Pharmacists Association
Ohio REALTORS
Ohio Restaurant Association
OhioX
Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce
Tri-Village Chamber Partnership
News
Opinion: Immigrant workers crucial to Ohio's economic recovery
The Cincinnati Enquirer
December 26, 2020
Ohio business leaders launch coalition in support of immigration reform
The Columbus Dispatch
December 10, 2020
Ohio business and industry leaders announce new immigration coalition
Ohio Realtors
December 10, 2020
Business, Industry Groups Form Statewide Immigration Reform Coalition
Hannah News Service, The Hannah Report
December 10, 2020
Press Release
January 21, 2021
Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions
Statement on President Biden’s proposed immigration reforms
COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) commends President Biden for his prioritization of immigration reform and for bringing this critical issue to the forefront of his presidency. We look forward to learning more about the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 and working with our members to engage in the process to ensure our immigration system supports Ohio’s business community.
Improvements to the current immigration system will have a direct and noticeable impact on Ohio’s economy. Immigrants account for more than one in four physicians in this country and across the state, and many more are currently serving as frontline healthcare workers combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, immigrants have a high rate of entrepreneurship and have contributed over $6 billion dollars to Ohio’s tax base.
Ohio needs a robust workforce for our state economy to continue to grow and compete with our neighboring states. OBIS believes that improving the immigration system will benefit Ohio businesses and allow us to attract and retain the global talent we need. Immigrants have always been, and remain, an important part of our communities. We must adopt a commonsense approach to immigration that reflects our long- established values and recognizes the critical role immigration has played in the history, economy, and culture of our state and the nation.
Immigrant contributions to the State of Ohio:
Immigrant Residents in Ohio: 549,537
Immigrant Share of Ohio’s Population: 4.7%
Immigrant Taxes Paid: $6.0B
Immigrant Spending Power: $15.0B
Immigrant Entrepreneurs: 29,257
Business Income of Immigrant Entrepreneurs: $894M
Employees at Immigrant-Owned Firms: 124,536
More here: https://www.newamericaneconomy.org/locations/ohio/
December 8, 2020
Ohio Business and Industry Leaders Announce New Immigration Coalition
COLOMBUS, OH – Today, business groups in Ohio announced the formation of Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS). Comprised of business organizations from across the state, the coalition is united in support of commonsense immigration reform and policies that will allow Ohio’s economy to continue to grow and thrive. OBIS membership is representative of Ohio’s diverse economy, including chambers of commerce from communities in all corners of the state, various industry trade associations, and statewide business groups.
This nonpartisan coalition is the first organized effort to provide a unified business voice in Ohio on immigration issues at the federal, state and local levels. OBIS will work to inform and educate policymakers on the impacts of various immigration policies and the economic contributions of immigrants to Ohio’s economy. In 2018 alone, immigrants in Ohio paid $5.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, and held $14 billion in spending power.
The coalition was announced today with an open letter to the Ohio congressional delegation articulating that modernizing the country’s immigration system must be a priority for elected officials.
“We have joined Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions because we know that immigration brings innovative, talented workers to Ohio,” said Alex Fischer, president and CEO, Columbus Partnership. “We must pursue immigration policies that meet the needs of the Columbus Region and its many growing employers."
“Our primary focus at the Chamber is to drive economic growth and prosperity for Greater Akron by supporting the success of the business community,” said Steve Millard, President & CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “The history of Greater Akron is intertwined with the economic benefit of immigration – from the European, southern and Appalachian immigrants that made Akron one of America’s fastest growing cities in the early 20th century to a growing Nepalese community today, the success of our economy relies on continuing to inject and include new talent, energy and ideas from people that come to, and stay in, Greater Akron.”
A major issue facing businesses in Ohio is attracting and retaining the labor force needed for business growth. Moreover, businesses often cannot find workers to fill the jobs currently available, and the immigration system and visa programs are not flexible and responsive to the real needs of Ohio employers. As policymakers continue the important work of helping the economy recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they cannot lose sight of the workforce issues that will continue to challenge Ohio’s growth. Sensible immigration reforms should be considered to ensure that the recovery works for all Ohioans, including those with immigrant status.
“The members of the Ohio Grocers Association perform critical work ensuring that Ohioans have access to a safe and secure food supply. Immigrants play a vital role in this work,” said Kristin Mullins, President and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association. “We joined Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions to advocate for policies that strengthen Ohio’s food supply chain workforce.”
“Our membership is uniquely positioned to realize the impact of immigration on Ohio’s economy,” said Scott R. Williams, CEO, Ohio REALTORS. “Immigration has helped grow communities around our state, and REALTORS have been there to assist them in finding homes for their families. We joined Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions because we need immigration policies that allow more new Americans to put down roots in Ohio.”
Over the summer and fall, OBIS members worked to develop the Ohio Compact on Immigration, a document which will guide the work of the coalition. The Ohio Compact on Immigration is a set of principles agreed upon by OBIS members seeking to elevate the Ohio business community’s desire to find sensible immigration policy solutions that strengthen Ohio’s economy.
As the 134th General Assembly and 117th Congress prepare to convene in January, now is the time for policymakers to put aside partisan differences and work towards policy solutions that allow our businesses and communities to grow. Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions looks forward to working with local, state and federal officials to develop immigration policies that meet the needs of employers in our state. To learn more, visit OHCompact.org.
Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions
-
BioOhio
-
Cincinnati Compass
-
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
-
Chamber of Greater Springfield, Ohio
-
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
-
Columbus Partnership
-
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
-
Eastman & Smith LTD
-
Greater Akron Chamber
-
Greater Cleveland Partnership
-
Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
-
Hispanic Chamber of Cincinnati USA
-
Lorain County Chamber of Commerce
-
Ohio Bankers League
-
Ohio Business Roundtable
-
Ohio Council for Homecare & Hospice Ohio Grocers Association
-
Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association
-
Ohio Pharmacists Association
-
Ohio REALTORS
-
Ohio Restaurant Association
-
OhioX
-
Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce
-
Tri-Village Chamber Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2021
Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions
Statement on the Introduction of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021
Earlier today, the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 was introduced in Congress. Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) applauds the introduction of this bill and looks forward to engaging with Congress as this proposal makes its way through the legislative process. This proposed legislation is an exciting first step towards meaningful immigration reform that will benefit Ohio’s business community.
OBIS is a group of more than 30 businesses, industry and trade organizations, and chambers of commerce that are focused on making the economic and business case for a modernized immigration system that works for Ohio. As the voice of Ohio’s business community on the topic of immigration reform, OBIS is uniquely situated to provide feedback on this proposal and ensure it meets the workforce needs of Ohio’s businesses. OBIS believes that immigration reforms can help fill some of those workforce needs in our communities and attract high quality workers to Ohio.
To that end, we are pleased to read that the bill increases the number of employment based visas from 140,000 to 170,000 annually. Furthermore, the bill provides a meaningful pathway to citizenship for farmworkers and other undocumented immigrants that have been directly contributing to Ohio’s economy in a positive way. Common sense proposals such as these will directly benefit the business community in Ohio and our membership is excited that these important issues are being brought to the forefront of national conversation.
Useful stats:
Immigrant Residents: 552,923
Immigrant Share of Population: 4.7%
Immigrant Taxes Paid: $5.7B
Immigrant Spending Power: $14.0B
Immigrant Entrepreneurs: 26,866
Employees at Immigrant-Owned Firms: 124,536
More stats here: https://www.newamericaneconomy.org/locations/ohio/