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New Bills Targeting Ohio's Immigrant Communities
New Bills Targeting Ohio's Immigrant Communities
What is happening?
What is happening?
Ohio lawmakers have introduced HB1 and SB88 — bills that could have devastating consequences for immigrant communities. These proposals would ban individuals from purchasing property within 25 miles of “critical infrastructure” if they come from a country currently designated as a “foreign adversary” — countries listed now include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.
Because “critical infrastructure” ranges from railroads and telephone poles to water treatment facilities, these bills would essentially restrict all property ownership in Ohio
What is at stake?
What is at stake?
U.S. citizens would be exempt, but thousands of legal immigrants — including permanent residents, visa holders, and individuals with protected status — would be barred from purchasing homes or businesses, with no evidence of wrongdoing.
SB88 goes even further, requiring affected immigrants to sell property they already legally own within two years.
HB1 and SB88 would strip immigrants of the right to own a home or business by equating individuals with foreign governments and legalizing discrimination based solely on national origin.
What is the impact?
What is the impact?
Ohio has 1 million immigrants and children of immigrants who:
Pay $7 billion a year in taxes with spending power of $18.6 billion.
Started over 37,000 businesses, creating $1 billion in revenue.
Make up 8.2% of Ohio’s entrepreneurs, 12.2% of STEM workers, and 22.2% of physicians.
Bills like HB1 and SB88 will create a hostile environment for immigrants, driving away valued Ohio community members who contribute to the local economy and are essential to the workforce.
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