(Submitted by La Conexion Immigrant Solidarity Committee)
The NW Ohio Network for Immigrant Rights is calling on Gov. Mike DeWine to take steps to ensure that immigrants in Ohio are not forgotten during the efforts to fight COVID-19. The network is comprised of representatives from multiple faith groups, non-profits, as well as concerned citizens, who act in solidarity with the immigrant community. They outlined their concerns in a letter that was sent to the Governor, leaders of the General Assembly, and to Rep. Haraz Ghanbari and Sen. Theresa Gavarone, who represent most of the regions covered by the Network.
While the network respects the leadership and decisiveness the Governor has shown during this crisis, there is a deep concern that these measures have largely excluded immigrants. To date, Ohio continues to lag in offering COVID-19 information in languages other than English on its website. The website includes basic health recommendations but the translations contain limited information on broader resources. In addition, many immigrants do not qualify for the enhanced benefits packages being offered.
The network also cares about the medical care and testing available to immigrants and all Ohioans.
“All the available data on COVID-19 shows that the most effective countermeasure against the virus is the implementation of universal and free testing and treatment. If Gov. DeWine wants to help Ohioans get back to work, he must ensure that every single Ohioan has access to free medical care, regardless of immigration status. This means ensuring that immigrants do not need to fear retribution or disproportionate financial hardship when seeking medical treatment during a global pandemic,” said network representative Farhana Habib, MD, MPH, FACOEM. Dr. Habib is board certified in occupational medicine and a member of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo and the Islamic Society of Northwest Ohio.
Many members of the network belong to faith communities and bring that perspective to this crisis. Network Member Deacon Jennifer Vasquez, D. Min explains: “The Abrahamic traditions teach love of God and love of neighbor as the most important values that determine how we are to live. To love our neighbor means to honor the dignity of every single human life and to love them as we love ourselves. Immigrants and undocumented workers are a vital part of our society and, as children of God, are worthy of the same protections as American citizens. Just as the governor has shown courage and compassion in his actions thus far, we plead with him to show further leadership by extending basic assistance to include immigrants and undocumented workers and by taking action on each of these requests.”
Letter to Governor DeWine on April 14, 2020: PDF
