News & Updates
Open Letters
December 12, 2022
​
​Ohio Congressional Delegation
United States Capitol
Washington, D.C.
​
Dear Honorable Ohio Congressional Delegation Members,
Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) formally launched in December 2020 as the voice of Ohio’s business community working to promote common sense immigration reforms that will strengthen the economy, attract and retain global talent, and bring new businesses to the Buckeye state.
In those two years, OBIS has grown exponentially, quadrupling in size to nearly 100 Ohio businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups spanning every region of the state. All of these organizations have coalesced around one issue: the positive impact immigration reform will have on the state’s economy.
At our founding two years ago, OBIS adopted several key policy priorities to support our business community and assist with alleviating Ohio’s critical workforce shortages, which have only worsened.
​​ ​
As the voice of Ohio’s business community on immigration policies, we urge you to support workforce-related changes to visa programs, such as increasing work visa quotas to reflect skills gaps and recapturing unused visas. We also urge reforms to the green card system to meet the needs of Ohio’s jobmakers by improving access and reducing backlogs, as well as making reforms for in-demand sector employees like recapturing previously unused green cards, increasing annual limits, and eliminating per-country cap limitations.
Since our coalition’s inception, we have had the opportunity to meet with every member of the Ohio delegation to discuss these important policies and how they impact the state’s economy and business community. The Buckeye state’s business leaders believe that common sense reforms will grow Ohio’s workforce and allow it to compete in a modern economy.
Immigration is not a partisan issue but an economic one. We urge you to act swiftly and productively to support immigration reforms that will allow the Ohio workforce and economy to flourish. As Congress continues to debate immigration, please consider OBIS and its nearly 100 members as a resource to help better understand the importance of immigrants in Ohio and the need for a reasonable and responsive immigration system that will allow Ohio’s economy to compete globally.
​
Sincerely,
​
June 7, 2022
​​
The Honorable Sherrod Brown
The Honorable Rob Portman
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
​
Dear Senator Brown and Senator Portman:
​
As a coalition of more than 80 Ohio businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups that believe modernizing our immigration system is critically important for the growth of the state’s economy, we respectfully urge you to support retaining two critically important immigration provisions during your deliberations as a member of the conference committee on the America COMPETES Act of 2022. The provisions, included in the House-passed America COMPETES Act, include:
​
-
Exempting immigrants with PhDs in STEM fields from annual green card limits, allowing them an opportunity to obtain permanent residence in the United States without being subject to the green card backlog or per-country caps.
-
Establishment of a “W” Start-Up visa status for international entrepreneurs and essential employees affiliated with the management or operations of a start-up entity.
For our state economy to grow and compete, Ohio needs a robust workforce and policies that prioritize attracting and retaining talent. However, as you likely hear time and time again, workforce shortages are the number one issue facing Ohio’s business community. Many of our members cannot find employees to hire, and without a viable solution, they face grave outcomes.
With nearly 91,500 open STEM jobs in Ohio — representing nearly 14 open jobs for every one unemployed STEM worker in the Buckeye state —we believe that exempting foreign-born PhDs in STEM fields will have an immediate positive impact and allow skilled workers to bring their expertise to Ohio and keep it here. Immigrants are already playing a crucial role in Ohio’s STEM sector. According to research from the American Immigration Council, while immigrants make up nearly 5% of the state’s population, they account for nearly 13% of all STEM-related workers in Ohio. Alleviating green card restrictions for international individuals with STEM-related PhDs will directly increase Ohio’s national and international competitiveness. Passage of this provision will also result in reducing green card backlogs, helping to keep current immigrants employed, and adding to Ohio’s eligible workforce.
The creation of the “W” visa classification will allow countless immigrant entrepreneurs to call Ohio home, boosting revenue and creating jobs for all Ohioans. The United States Department of Homeland Security estimates that nearly 3,000 entrepreneurs would be eligible for this proposed visa classification annually. Ohio is already home to more than 29,000 immigrant entrepreneurs, whose total business income contributes $894 million to the state economy annually. This visa classification will allow current business owners to stay here, new business owners to come here, and grow communities across Ohio with every new immigrant entrepreneur that opens the doors to their new business and creates new jobs.
The members of Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions believe that immigration is not a partisan issue but an economic one. As you continue to debate the final version of the America COMPETES Act, we ask that you preserve the House-passed immigration provisions related to immigrants with PhDs in STEM fields and the creation of a “W” Start-Up visa to help alleviate the workforce issues that Ohio’s business community faces daily.
Sincerely,
December 10, 2021
​​
Ohio Congressional Delegation
United States Capitol
Washington, D.C.
​
Dear Honorable Ohio Congressional Delegation Members,
Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) formally launched on December 10th of last year as the voice of Ohio’s business community working to promote common sense immigration reforms that will strengthen the economy, attract and retain global talent, and bring new businesses to the Buckeye state.
Since then, OBIS has tripled in size to now include nearly 70 Ohio businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups spanning every region of the state. It is clear: Ohio’s job creators care about immigration and the positive economic impact it brings to our state.
OBIS adopted several critical, yet straightforward, policy priorities to support our business community and assist with alleviating the state’s critical workforce shortage. Many of our members cannot find employees to hire, and without a viable alternative, their businesses face grave outcomes.
​
As the voice of Ohio’s business community on immigration policies, we urge you to:
​
-
Support key workforce-related changes to visa programs by:
-
Streamlining employment-based visa backlogs, reducing the backlog for foreign born professionals, and allowing temporary workers to remain in the U.S. if caught in a backlog;
-
Shortening lengthy wait times and unnecessary hurdles for visa applicants;
-
Increasing work visa quotas for foreign workers to reflect current skills gaps and recapturing any unused visas;
-
Reforming the H-2 visa program to include year-round workers in high-demand industries such as hospitality, agriculture, and construction; and,
-
Making it easier for graduates of U.S. universities with advanced STEM degrees to stay and work in the U.S., specifically in Ohio.
-
-
Reform the green card system to meet the needs of Ohio’s business community by:
-
Improving access to green cards for in-demand sector employees, including recapturing previously unused green cards, increasing annual limits, and eliminating per-county cap limitations; and,
-
Exempting family members from being counted towards individual green card numbers.
-
Ohio’s business leaders believe that these commonsense reforms will allow Ohio’s workforce to grow and meet the demands of a 21st century economy. The reforms will also result in an increase to the number of high-skilled immigrants who already support Ohio’s workforce in a variety of essential and cutting-edge industries. For example, in 2019, immigrants made up just under 5% of the state’s population but accounted for 24.7% of physicians, 23.4% of software developers, and 12.9% of STEM workers in the state according to data from New American Economy. As Ohio lags behind many other states in growth, modernizing our immigration system can assist with attracting and retaining global talent to our state.
Immigration is not a partisan issue but an economic one. As Congress continues to debate immigration reform, please consider OBIS as a resource to help better understand the importance of immigrants in Ohio and the need for a reasonable and responsive immigration system that will allow Ohio to compete globally.
Sincerely,
December 10, 2021
​​
Ohio General Assembly
Washington, D.C.
​
Dear Ohio General Assembly Member,
As a statewide coalition of nearly 70 Ohio businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups, Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) works to promote common-sense immigration reforms that will strengthen our economy, grow our workforce, and bring new businesses to the Buckeye state. OBIS formally launched on December 10th of last year as the voice of Ohio’s business community, and since then, has tripled in size and now represents members from every region of the state. It is clear: Ohio’s job creators care about immigration and the positive economic impact it brings to our state.
For our state’s economy to grow and compete, Ohio needs a robust workforce and policies that prioritize attracting and retaining talent. However, as you likely hear time and time again, labor shortages are the number one issue facing Ohio’s business community. Many of our members cannot find employees to hire, and without a viable alternative, their businesses face grave outcomes.
Fortunately, Ohio is home to many international students who have, and can, join our workforce and revitalize our economy. Data from New American Economy (NAE) shows that in 2019, there were 35,508 international students in Ohio and they supported 12,646 jobs throughout our state. At a time when our businesses face a shortage of not only workers, but specifically licensed professionals, OBIS believes that policy makers in Ohio should encourage highly trained international students to remain in our state after graduation by implementing policies that allow international students to utilize their practical experience, both in the workforce and in the classroom, towards licensure obtainment. This will ultimately provide Ohio with a greater number of experienced professionals to fill existing job vacancies and stabilize our workforce.
​
Adopting policies that encourage the retention of international students will grow the already robust number of highly skilled immigrants that are currently working in Ohio. For example, NAE data shows that while immigrants made up just under 5% of the state’s population in 2019, they made up:
-
24.7% of all physicians
-
23.4% of software developers
-
23.1% of postsecondary teachers
-
12.9% of STEM workers (science, technology, engineering, math)
​
Our coalition also supports examining in-demand jobs that require licensure, and working to reduce barriers for immigrants from entering those fields. Many of Ohio’s current occupational licensing and reciprocity practices act as roadblocks to a robust workforce. Removing unnecessary and bureaucratic obstacles will reduce brain waste, or the underemployment or unemployment of internationally trained professionals, in Ohio. When licensing boards do not recognize prior education, credentials, or experience of immigrants in their native country, many professionals are often forced to start over with their education and training or work in a lower skilled job, leading to losses for the immigrants themselves, employers, and their communities. Streamlining and reducing barriers for highly trained and experienced immigrants will allow employers to fill workforce gaps in critical industries such as healthcare, engineering, and technology. This would further increase the economic impact of immigrants in Ohio and grow our economy. Ohio’s immigrants contribute $6 billion in taxes, including $2 billion in state and local taxes, and hold $15.1 billion spending power that can be reinvested in local communities.
The members of OBIS believe that immigration reform is not a partisan issue, but an economic one. As you continue to debate policies to alleviate our state’s workforce crisis, particularly as it relates to occupational licensing reform and attracting and retaining international students, we urge you to implement our common-sense policy recommendations.
Sincerely,
November 18, 2021
​​
Ohio Congressional Delegation
United States Capitol
Washington, D.C.
​
Dear Senators and Congressmen:
As a coalition of 60 Ohio businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups that believe modernizing our immigration system is critically important for the growth of the state's economy, we respectfully urge the Ohio Congressional Delegation to support language to recapture unused employment-based green cards contained in HR-5376, the Build Back Better Act.
For our state economy to grow and compete, Ohio needs a robust workforce and policies that prioritize attracting and retaining talent. However, as you likely hear time and time again, workforce shortages are the number one issue facing Ohio’s business community. Many of our members cannot find employees to hire, and without a viable alternative, they face grave outcomes. We believe that recapturing unused employment-based green cards is one tool to help address our state’s workforce crisis as it will create a new pool of workers for Ohio’s businesses and in turn, help revitalize our economy.
The Build Back Better Act does not raise the number of green cards issued overall but rather recaptures green cards previously issued, and subsequently unused, since 1992. The recaptured green cards would be available for employment-based applicants currently waiting in the backlog for at least two years and require the applicants to pay a $5,000 supplemental fee. Additional green cards would also be available to family-based applicants who have been waiting for at least two years and require applicants to pay a $2,500 fee. Passage of this provision would also result in reducing green card backlogs, helping to keep current immigrants employed, and adding to Ohio’s eligible workforce.
The individuals eligible for the recaptured green cards are currently contributing to Ohio’s economy. Data from New American Economy (NAE) shows that many of the eligible individuals are already filling positions vital to our economy; immigrants currently account for nearly 25% of physicians and 23% of all software positions in Ohio. Attracting and retaining skilled, global talent is crucial for the future of our economy and workforce.
The members of OBIS believe that immigration is not a partisan issue but an economic one. As you continue to debate the language included in the Build Back Better Act, we ask that you preserve the employment-based green card recapture reforms.
Sincerely,
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,
News
Opinion: Ohio nurses have called a 'code red.' Skilled immigrants can help
The Columbus Dispatch
Authored by Edward Haag, Career and Education Advisor at Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, OBIS Coalition Member
August 23, 2023
​
Dr. Tom Milligan: Time for serious policy approaches to employment-based immigration
Lima News
Authored by Dr. Tom Milligan, Owner of Western Ohio Cut Stone, OBIS Coalition Member
August 26, 2022
Opinion: This is how we put Ohio on the cutting edge
Cincinnati Enquirer
Authored by Eddie Pauline, President and CEO of BioOhio, OBIS Coalition Member
July 21, 2022
VOICES: My industry is withering; immigrants can help us flourish again
Dayton Daily News
Authored by Molly John, President of the Ohio Green Industry Association, OBIS Coalition Member
July 8, 2022
​
VOICES: Immigrants will help Ohio businesses ride out the 'Big Quit'
Dayton Daily News
Authored by Stephanie Keinath, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives of Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, OBIS Coalition Member
April 10, 2022
​
Workforce shortages are crushing Ohio’s restaurant industry. Immigration reform can help
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Authored by Tod Bowen, Managing Director of External Affairs and Government Relations of the Ohio Restaurant Association, OBIS Coalition Member
March 9, 2022
​
VOICES: Highly skilled immigrants augment Ohio’s technology workforce
Dayton Daily News
Authored by Naveed H. Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Dolr, OBIS Coalition Member
January 4, 2022
​
Hiring immigrants, workers from around globe key to solving labor shortage problem in Ohio
The Columbus Dispatch
Authored by Steve Stivers, President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, OBIS Coalition Member
December 10, 2021
​
Opinion: Immigrants could play key role in economic recovery in Cleveland, the heartland
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Authored by Joe Cimperman, President of Global Cleveland, OBIS Coalition Member
June 23, 2021
Viewpoint: Immigration reform can help fix workforce shortages by attracting global talent
Columbus Business First
Authored by Don DePerro, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, OBIS Coalition Member
May 27, 2021
Opinion: Immigrant workers crucial to Ohio's economic recovery
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Authored by Bryan Wright, Executive Director of Cincinnati Compass, and Jill P. Meyer, President and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, OBIS Coalition Members
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 Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2021
Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions
Statement on the Introduction of the Equal Access to Green cards for Legal Employment (EAGLE) Act
COLUMBUS, OH— The Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) commends the bipartisan introduction of the Equal Access to Green cards for Legal Employment (EAGLE) Act. Many of the policy proposals contained in this meaningful immigration bill are priority items for Ohio’s business community. These proposals will provide opportunities to strengthen our state’s workforce, fill critical workforce gaps, and allow Ohio to attract and retain high-level talent.
OBIS is a coalition of nearly 40 businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups 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 immigration policy, OBIS is uniquely situated to provide feedback on this proposal and ensure it meets the workforce needs of our state’s businesses.
​
The EAGLE Act will phase out the seven percent (7%) per country cap on employment-based visas and raise the per country family sponsored visa limit from seven percent (7%) to fifteen percent (15%). This will ensure that the candidates for the visa program are judged primarily on merit and less by country of origin, which will result in higher quality workers legally entering the United States for employment. The EAGLE Act proposals are timely and important to Ohio’s business community as we struggle to find the talent necessary to fill essential positions. OBIS is looking forward to advocating on behalf of Ohio’s business community to enact these common sense immigration reforms that will increase the number of legal immigrants to the state, resulting in a strong and robust workforce.
​
Research from New American Economy has found that:
-
There are 549,537 immigrants in Ohio, representing 4.7% of the population
-
Immigrants paid $6.0 billion in taxes, including $2.0 billion in state and local taxes
-
Immigrants hold $15.1 billion in spending power that can be reinvested in the state and local economy through consumer spending
-
There are more than 29,250 immigrant entrepreneurs in the state who boast $894.0 million in total business income
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2021
Top Ohio Business Leaders Urge Senators to Support Legislation to Address Immigration Reforms
Columbus, Ohio – Today, less than a week after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Dream & Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, New American Economy (NAE) hosted a virtual fly-in on Wednesday, March 24th, to urge key Senators to pass immigration reform. Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions, a coalition of more than 30 Ohio businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups, will meet with Senator Portman’s office as part of a national fly-in bringing leaders from Texas, Ohio, Colorado, Maine, South Dakota, Utah, Florida, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Iowa, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Idaho, and Pennsylvania to talk about the need for immigration reform as both a moral and economic imperative. See how immigration impacts the Ohio economy here.
NAE’s virtual fly-in brings together over 200 leaders across the country who understand that immigration reform is necessary for our economic recovery and development. Furthermore, it is requested by Ohio’s business community. Participants include Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, and more (see full list below).
​
NAE’s research shows that:
-
There are approximately 7,874 DACA-eligible immigrants in Ohio. They hold $137.3M in spending power and pay $42M in taxes each year
-
More than 500,000 DACA-eligible individuals across the country are essential workers, with 62,000 working in healthcare alone (nurses, home health aides, etc.). 12,800 DACA recipients work in the farming and agriculture industry—with the vast majority as agricultural laborers.
-
There are approximately 2,317 TPS holders in Ohio.
-
Over 130,000 TPS holders are essential workers who have been vital in the pandemic, in healthcare, construction, education, and across the food supply chain.
-
An estimated 11,600 health care workers today are TPS holders.
-
In Ohio, more than 1 in 6 (17.8%) animal production and aquaculture workers and more than 1 in 6 (19.2%) agricultural workers are foreign-born.
-
Farmworkers are especially at risk of falling ill from COVID-19 as they often work in challenging conditions with no room to self-isolate at home.
-
Despite being essential to the U.S. food supply chain, undocumented farmworkers do not qualify for assistance in the COVID-19 aid packages and can’t seek UI.
You can learn more about immigrant contributions to fighting COVID-19 here.
About New American Economy
New American Economy (NAE) is a bipartisan research and advocacy organization founded to educate, empower and support policymakers, influencers, and citizens across the country that see the economic and social benefits of a smart approach to immigration reform. NAE has created a coalition of civic, business, and cultural leaders who span the political spectrum and represent all 50 states. NAE makes the case for smart immigration reform in four ways: 1) we use powerful research to demonstrate how immigration impacts our economy, 2) we organize champions at the grassroots and influencer levels to build support for immigration, 3) we partner with state and local leaders to advocate for policies that recognize the value immigrants add locally, and 4) we show immigrant contributions to American culture through film, food, art, sports, comedy, and more.
​
OH Fly-In Participants: BioOhio, Hispanic Chamber of Cincinnati USA, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati Compass, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce, Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio Grocers Association, Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Global Cleveland, T.L.C. Landscaping, Inc., Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber, Greater Columbus Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Partnership, Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice, Eastman & Smith LTD and OhioX
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/
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
COLUMBUS, 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