A man from Ohio has recently expressed his surprise after discovering that his grandson might need a translator to attend preschool.
This revelation came after a meet-and-greet event at the preschool, where the man learned that his grandson would be the only English-speaking student in the class.
The Translator Requirement
In a brief video, the man explained that his daughter, who recently enrolled her four-year-old son in preschool, was informed that he would need to have a translator if he wanted to be taught in English.
The preschool, located in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas County, told the boy’s mother that she would have to cover the cost of the translator herself.
The Grandfather’s Reaction
The grandfather was visibly astonished by the school’s requirement. “I live in a small town in Ohio,” he said.
“She takes him to this meet-and-greet, and they tell her she has to hire a translator with her own money because he’s the only student who doesn’t speak Spanish. Really?”
He was frustrated that his daughter decided against paying for the translator and withdrew her son from the preschool.
Migration and Local Reactions
The specific preschool involved hasn’t been named, but there’s a broader context in Ohio as the state looks to attract more migrant refugees to boost its economic output.
Columbus, the state capital, has been named the fastest-growing metro area in the country.
Despite Ohio’s Republican leanings, the city is working to attract immigrants as part of its growth strategy.
Concerns and Political Reactions
While Columbus is embracing a more welcoming stance toward immigrants, there are concerns among some Ohio residents about handling the sudden influx of refugees.
Issues such as potential increases in crime and language barriers are raising concerns, especially since only about 3 percent of Ohioans speak Spanish.
Republican Bernie Moreno, a businessman and candidate for the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Sherrod Brown, has voiced criticism of current immigration policies, claiming they have negatively impacted Ohio communities.
Moreno has used strong rhetoric, referring to the situation at the southern border as an “invasion.”
Sanctuary Policies in Columbus
Although Columbus does not officially label itself a sanctuary city, it follows sanctuary policies.
This means local law enforcement is restricted from detaining or arresting individuals solely based on immigration status, unless responding to a court order.
The Economic Argument
In an op-ed for USA Today, Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Don DePerro, CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, argued that welcoming refugees is not only a moral obligation but also economically beneficial.
They pointed out the need for more housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, and workers as the local labor force ages and birth rates decline.
Surge in Immigration
Columbus has seen a significant increase in immigration cases, with over 9,000 new immigration court proceedings in fiscal year 2023—a 350 percent rise since fiscal year 2019.
Overall, the Biden administration has issued around 16,300 work permits to asylum applicants and humanitarian parolees in Ohio since the start of the 2024 fiscal year.
Political Fallout
The record numbers of migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border have become a contentious issue in the political arena, with former President Trump using immigration as a key campaign topic.
The Biden administration has pushed for bipartisan immigration reform, but progress has been slow, with calls for Congress to act on legislation that has yet to materialize.
In summary, the mix of local reactions, political rhetoric, and evolving policies highlights the complex and contentious nature of immigration in Ohio and across the U.S.