Columbus, Ohio, is becoming widely regarded as a fantastic place to call home.

Recently, Columbus was recognized as the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation, and the trend is predicted to continue.

This growth comes with its advantages: we’re witnessing a cultural and economic surge. However, it also presents challenges. An influx of people requires more housing, improved transportation, expanded child care, enhanced health care services, and additional educators. Local businesses are consistently reporting a need for more workers.

As two leaders of Columbus dedicated to our city’s progress, we see a significant solution: continuing to welcome refugees. Our native workforce is getting older, and the birth rate in Ohio is declining. Accepting refugees is not only a compassionate choice but also a beneficial economic strategy.

How Refugees Contribute to and Fortify Our Economy

Refugees are already playing a crucial role in supporting and enhancing our economy. Data from 2022 provided by the American Immigration Council indicates that 97% of refugees in Ohio are gainfully employed. They collectively contribute $418.4 million in taxes each year and wield $1.4 billion in purchasing power.

When refugees arrive after escaping conflict and persecution, they embody resilience and determination, traits that many Ohioans can relate to. In that journey, they become our coworkers, customers, business allies, and community members.

Therefore, we are supporting a bipartisan appeal from elected officials across Ohio—and the nation—to President Biden to advocate for a well-resourced and sustainable federal framework aimed at welcoming individuals seeking safety and aiding their resettlement process.

We must prioritize a strategy that not only provides refuge to those in need but also significantly enriches the lives of individuals, boosting central Ohio—and the entire state—along the way.

From Refugee Road to German Village and Beyond

Ohio has a long-standing tradition of embracing newcomers, a commitment reflected in the culture of Columbus. Many of us can trace our roots to ancestors who sought better opportunities by coming here, whether from Refugee Road to German Village and further.

We are fortunate to have strong leadership from various organizations and businesses within the city and state dedicated to promoting our welcoming ethos. Together with the city and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, we helped formulate Central Ohio’s Plan for Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees. This comprehensive strategy aims to ensure that all facets of our region—from workforce opportunities to educational systems and city services—are accessible and inclusive for the diverse populations we serve.

Columbus proudly contributes to Vibrant Ohio, a coalition of communities committed to welcoming newcomers and fostering their success to create a more inclusive, equitable, and flourishing state.

From Toledo to Cleveland, elected officials are uniting in our plea to President Biden: It’s crucial to invest in secure paths for families seeking safety and reaffirm a strong commitment to refugee resettlement.

Let’s announce to the world that Ohio is a place of welcome.

Andrew Ginther is the mayor of Columbus, Ohio, and Don DePerro is the CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.