Akronist.com: “International Institute hosts Rep. Tim Ryan, publishes report on spending power, impact of refugees, immigrants”

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, paid a visit yesterday to International Institute of Akron, which was coordinated with a new report on Ohio Congressional District 13 that points to significant spending and voting power among foreign-born residents. The report points out that these residents also are critical to home ownership and the local workforce.

During the visit, Ryan heard first-hand from International Institute staff and volunteers, along with a number of refugees. “We need to do a better job getting these stories out,” said Ryan, who reflected on his own Italian immigrant background in his home city of Youngstown. “My parents were Italian,” he said. “I remember hearing stories of them growing up and about how the Italians were the group who were discriminated against.”

He also heard the stories of some foreign-born entrepreneurs, like Naresh Subba, who came to Northeast Ohio as a student, earning a doctorate in nuclear physics from Kent State University, then opening Family Groceries in North Hill and serving as a leader in the local Bhutanese community. Also at the table was Rollin Mukanza, who started a business cleaning carpets at local businesses.

Read the full story from Akronist.com: “International Institute hosts Rep. Tim Ryan, publishes report on spending power, impact of refugees, immigrants”