As Columbus, Ohio, Welcomes An Economic Boom, We Need To Continue To Welcome Refugees

This article was originally published by USA Today.

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 will not slow down any time soon.

This comes with its benefits: We are in an economic and cultural boom. It also comes with its challenges. More people need more homes, more transportation, more child care, more health care and more teachers. Businesses tell us every day that they need more people in the labor force.

As two proud leaders of Columbus amid this historic moment for our city, we see a clear solution: We need to continue welcoming refugees. Our American-born labor force is aging, and Ohioans are having fewer children. Welcoming refugees is not just the right thing to do, it also makes economic sense.

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

When refugees come here after fleeing war and persecution, they demonstrate a determination and grit many Ohioans would recognize in themselves. And in doing so, they become our colleagues, customers, business partners and neighbors.

Continue reading this article here.