January 22, 2020 – Global Cleveland, a nonprofit economic development organization, advocates on behalf of international newcomers in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding region. We believe in and work daily to create a welcoming community for all international newcomers.

As the local organizing leader in ensuring we increase the number of immigrants coming to Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, we will work to support and push for any policy that achieves our mission of strengthening our city by welcoming the world

With the Inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the nation’s 46th President, our excitement grows with each immigration policy announced thus far. We have compiled a list of the policy updates we are both tracking and supporting under the Biden-Harris administration. Changes are happening on city, state and national levels. We will work with anyone to make Cleveland and Northeast Ohio the most welcoming community in North America.

When our sisters and brothers immigrate to the United States, they bring with them a wealth of experience, fresh ideas and boundless entrepreneurial energy. We receive each new policy with eagerness and the anticipation of the great impact expanded immigration will have on our community.

For more information, or to help, contact Global Cleveland at [email protected], visit our website at GlobalCleveland.org, or contact Joe Cimperman at 216-215-6765.

Immigration Update: January 2021

Local

Gateways for Growth

  • Gateways for Growth awards organizations with assistance and support with help from New American Economy and Welcoming America.
  • Gateways for Growth awarded Global Cleveland with research support to promote and improve immigrant inclusion in Cleveland.

Welcoming Week Proclamations and Resolutions

  • Global Cleveland received 51 Welcoming Week resolutions and proclamations from cities in Cuyahoga County in 2020 to celebrate and recognize immigrants living in Cuyahoga County.
  • Cleveland always has been a welcoming city and Global Cleveland is excited to see that Cleveland is still a welcoming city today!

State

Launch of OBIS

  • Ohio Business for Immigration Solutions (OBIS) launched in December 2020.
  • OBIS issued the Ohio Compact on Immigration to promote immigration reforms that will strengthen the economy and bring new immigrants and businesses to Ohio.

Launch of Vibrant Ohio

  • Immigrant integration network, formerly known as OWIN, with members in Toledo, Bowling Green, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati

Federal

DACA Restored

  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was restored in December 2020 and people can now apply again.
  • “DACA gives protection from deportation to undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.”

Muslim Ban Lifted

  • President Biden has lifted the Muslim ban order that has been in effect since 2017.

Southern Border Wall Construction

  • President Biden has paused the Southern border wall construction and is looking for ways on how the funds can be redirected.

Defer Deportation of Liberians

  • President Biden is extending the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) program to protect Liberians living and working in the United States.

Naturalization Changes

  • Fee for becoming a naturalized United States citizen was changed from $640 to $1,170 in October 2020.
  • The number of questions to prepare for the naturalization test increased from 100 to 128.