AKRON, Ohio — Asian Services In Action, Inc. applauds Governor Mike DeWine’s statement on Ohio’s continued acceptance and resettlement of refugees. On December 24, DeWine wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explaining “…Ohio has a long and successful history of welcoming and assimilating refugees from all corners of the globe.” He added, “Ohio also has a well-developed support network to welcome and assimilate refugees, primarily led by our faith-based communities.”

For the first time, the federal government now requires each governor to give permission to accept refugees in each of the respective states. At the same time, the number of refugees to be resettled into the U.S. has been set to the lowest levels in the history of the program, while simultaneously raising the fees for citizenship applications.

According to a Pew Research Center analysis about 1,400 refugees relocated to Ohio between September 2018 and September 2019. The U.S. State Department reported that in October and November, another 27 refugees were resettled in the state.

“Refugees enhance communities in this country. Welcoming refugees to the United States is an investment that brings needed labor, economic activity, as well as arts and culture,” says ASIA Inc. CEO, Elaine Tso. At ASIA, Inc., we provide a complete system of culturally and linguistically appropriate health care and wraparound services for refugees and immigrants to ensure they are welcomed and receive ongoing support to thrive.

We urge you to join ASIA, Inc., Governor Dewine, and others as we continue to support a welcoming environment for immigrants and refugees.  Please contact us if you want to volunteer, join our advocacy efforts, make a monetary donation, or have an idea.