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Columbus, OH – Today, leaders from around the state representing business, civil rights, and labor communities highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform in Ohio, and called on the state’s federal representatives in Congress to pass common sense reform as soon as possible.
“Every day that passes without a workable solution to the broken immigration system, Ohio’s businesses, communities and families suffer. We need Ohio’s Congressional delegation to champion a rational policy that reflects our core values and moves us forward together,” said Stephanie Beck Borden, State Director for Reform Immigration FOR America. “We expect Senator Voinovich and Senator Brown, and all of our House representatives, to support immigration reform legislation as it moves through Congress early next year.”
Business and labor leaders highlighted the impact the broken immigration system has on Ohio workers and companies, and how reform would create a level playing field for all workers and employers.
“Ohio businesses depend on the undocumented people here who, like U.S. citizens, are hardworking and good neighbors. Without our undocumented workers, inflation would skyrocket and the economy would completely collapse,” noted Cincinnati business owner and attorney Lea Webb. “If we allow illegal immigrants to apply for visas and move out of the shadows, businesses will flourish, workers will no longer be easily exploited, houses will sell, banks will have increased deposits and Ohio will turn a corner to a new era of positive growth and hope – driven, as in the past, by immigrants who are great at building a brighter tomorrow.”
“As wages plummet, unemployment grows, and the middle class continues to shrink, Ohio's working families need solutions, and immigration reform is a critical part of getting our economy back on track,” said Erin Kramer, Director of Ohio and Indiana for Service Employees International Union, Local 1. "For the good of our economy, of working families, and of our country, it’s time to get immigration reform done right; to get it done quickly; and to make sure it works for America.”
Stanley Miller, Executive Director of the Cleveland Chapter of the NAACP, added: “The NAACP strongly supports the need for comprehensive
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