Columbus City Council Proposes New Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Commission.
The Columbus City Council is considering the establishment of an Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Commission to better address the needs of the city’s increasing immigrant population. Leaders from local immigrant organizations, including the Haitian Community Network, voiced their support during a public hearing on Tuesday.
The proposed commission would begin by reviewing existing city policies to identify improvements that can enhance the lives of immigrants and refugees. Columbus, like nearby Springfield, has experienced a significant influx of Haitian immigrants. This community has faced national scrutiny, particularly following false claims made by former President Donald Trump during a televised debate, where he accused Haitian immigrants of bizarre behaviors.
Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, whose family is from Cuba, emphasized the importance of the commission in amplifying immigrant voices and aiding their integration into the community. She noted that many Haitian families were recently evacuated from the Colonial Village Apartment Complex, highlighting the ongoing challenges they face.
“Immigrants and refugees enrich our community with cultural diversity, economic contributions, and essential skills. However, they often struggle to access city resources and services,” Barroso de Padilla stated. She also shared projections indicating that Columbus’ population could increase by two million over the next two decades, with immigrants playing a major role in this growth.
According to Barroso de Padilla, immigrants accounted for 26.4% of the region’s population growth between 2014 and 2019. Haitian Community Network Executive Director Marc FeQuiere expressed hopes that the commission will foster economic empowerment and protect immigrants from discrimination.
FeQuiere remarked, “Immigrants take on jobs that others overlook and create small businesses that fill gaps in the market.” After hearing from community representatives, Barroso de Padilla condemned the divisive rhetoric surrounding the Haitian community, referencing Trump’s recent comments about deporting migrants.
Barroso de Padilla asserted, “Such statements create chaos and uncertainty, making entire communities unsafe. In Columbus, we will not tolerate this.”
Yola Lamarre, a representative of the Haitian Community Network, shared her belief that the commission can help create a better Columbus. “As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, I’ve witnessed their hard work and dedication to building a better life. This commission will strengthen our community,” Lamarre said.
Christopher Maitland, Legislative Analyst for the City Council, noted that other Ohio governments have established similar commissions to help immigrants navigate services. The proposed commission would consist of 15 members, including at least one person under 25, to ensure that youth perspectives are included in discussions.
“This inclusion is vital for addressing the needs of the community,” Maitland explained. The council aims to keep the commission adaptable to the city’s evolving landscape.
If approved, the new commission could begin its work by January.
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