Since 2011, the Welcome Dayton program has worked to encourage immigrants to bring their skills and talents to Ohio. The program’s initiatives include:
  • Promoting English literacy
  • Setting up programs to assist non-English speakers
  • Educating the public about the positive effect of immigration on the city’s economy
  • Using media and other programs to shatter stereotypes and combat misconceptions about the immigrant population

The Welcome Dayton program received national exposure in October

City Manager Tim Riordan gained national exposure in October when he appeared on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” to describe the Welcome Dayton program to Daily Show correspondent Aasif Mandvi. Riordan announced that Dayton is very much in favor of immigrants joining the local workforce and declared that immigrants bring welcome jobs and business to the area. On October 6, the NY Times also profiled the Welcome Dayton program. The article contends that there has been a shift in public opinion over the last few years, with the public realizing that immigration brings new life to the local economy. The success of the program has attracted attention from other cities in Ohio and nationwide. Cleveland and Columbus are among the cities currently that are following Welcome Dayton’s lead.

Immigrants have a strong record of helping Ohio’s economy

According to a July report published by The Immigration Policy Center, immigrants have founded more than 20,000 business in Ohio between 2006 and 2010 and generated revenues totaling $1.3 billion in 2010 alone. Immigrants also founded such major Ohio companies as Proctor & Gamble and the Eaton Corporation. The report emphasizes that localities throughout the state have a history of enacting Welcome Dayton-style initiatives to encourage immigrants to settle in Ohio. If you are an immigrant interested in settling in Ohio, an experienced immigration attorney can help you. Immigrants need work visas in order to earn a salary or investor visas to start a business. Immigrants who have overstayed their visas can apply for waivers. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you proceed.

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