Legislators and immigrant groups in Ohio claim that state legislation and federal policy have depressed immigrant populations throughout the state. Many people are afraid to go to work, send their children to school, or go grocery shopping because of raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. People who have temporary protected status or humanitarian parole are concerned that their protections might be taken away without much notice.
President Donald Trump has expanded and restored his first term’s immigration policy through a number of executive actions since he took office less than a month ago. The Department of Homeland Security has been instructed to terminate all categorical parole programs that are in violation of Trump’s executive orders, including one that is intended for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.
Officials from the Trump administration revoked the continuation of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan migrants in the United States two weeks ago.
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State legislators in Ohio have introduced a number of bills to monitor immigrant neighborhoods, mandate police support for federal immigration enforcement, and penalize local governments for refusing to cooperate with ICE.
During a press conference at the Statehouse on Tuesday, State Representative Ismail Mohamed, a Democrat from Columbus, specifically condemned House Bill 26, which would require local agencies to collaborate with federal agencies.
He clarified that this bill aims to penalize local governments who violate federal immigration enforcement by denying them state revenue. focusing on sanctuary cities that decide to put immigration enforcement or public safety first.
According to Mohamed, they are not supporting those who have engaged in violent crimes.
He stated that those individuals should be deported without a doubt, but he also pointed out that millions of other people are contributing to their communities and paying taxes. He maintained that policies like as HB 26 will instill mistrust and anxiety in the relationship between those immigrant populations and law enforcement.
He asserted that rather than destroying our communities, we should concentrate on building them.
The dignity and humanity of millions of people who contribute to our economy, society, and communities are directly attacked by Trump’s fear-mongering during the campaign about Haitian migrants in Springfield and his executive actions after winning office, according to state representative Munira Abdullahi, a Democrat from Columbus.
She continued by saying that these assaults are merely meant to divert our attention and do not accurately represent the true concerns of Americans.
As a doctor, state representative Anita Somani, D-Dublin, emphasized how heightened ICE action, including in hospitals, might place medical professionals and their patients in precarious positions.
Speaking specifically to medical professionals, she clarified that sharing a patient’s immigration status would frequently be against health privacy laws.
She asserted that ICE lacks the authority to get confidential patient data without a judge-signed warrant. An administrative order signed by an ICE agent is not the same as that.
Advocates that work closely with immigrant communities are trying to make sure that people are aware of their rights during an ICE contact.
Dorothy Hassan, CEO of Our Helpers, has assisted in the establishment of the Central Ohio Rapid Response Network, which serves as a hub for organizations that support immigrants and refugees.
Even though Ohio’s measure is still only a proposal, she clarified, it is fostering a climate of dread. According to Hassan, neighbors who are feeling more confident and have this new, dark area to target families that look and sound different are profiling families.
Hassan claimed that after hearing about immigration arrests, she learns about a decline in school attendance the next day.
Therefore, she continued, “yes, our families are living lives of fear right now, even though none of this is official or has been voted on again.”
Clients of Haitian Community Network advocate Yola Lamarre are concerned that their legal status is now in jeopardy.
They will be a target group for having their Temporary Protected Status terminated, according to a comment we heard, she stated.
It’s ironic, Lamarre added, that widespread rhetoric about deporting illegal immigrants—especially those who have committed crimes—is leading to steps that target individuals who are legally in the country.
When legal protections are being considered for termination, it is evident that we have politicized the immigration issue, Lamarre stated.
According to her, we need to acknowledge how discrimination’s influence is causing hazardous gaps that are dividing families that have made unrelenting contributions to our state. Nobody in a legal position should be scared of being arrested.
Follow Xoron Bluesky, a reporter for the Ohio Capital Journal.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.