Report: Foreign-born residents strengthening Toledo

Immigrants continue to strengthen communities across the United States, including Toledo and other Ohio cities, according to research done by The Partnership for a New American Economy.

A series of research briefs unveiled by Lucas County commissioners Tuesday offer insight into the ways foreign-born residents of Toledo and other Ohio communities have strengthened local tax bases and boosted the economy through entrepreneurship and increased housing wealth.

Toledo’s population loss of native residents has been off-set by foreign-born people coming to live and work in the community, bringing jobs, investment, and education, according to Commissioner Pete Gerken.

“This is a trend we need to continue, not stop,” Gerken said ahead of a press conference at One Government Center.

The research was announced just one day after controversial remarks by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump who is “calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on,” a statement released by his campaign read.

The proposed plan includes all Muslims entering the United States, including Muslim Americans returning from travel abroad.

“Across the Midwest, immigrants are bringing renewed energy and growth to Rust Belt cities, and Toledo is no exception,” said John Feinblatt, Chairman of the Partnership for a New American Economy. “This research shows how immigrants play important roles combatting Toledo’s population decline, raising the area’s housing wealth, and starting local businesses that create additional jobs.”

“It’s ridiculous, it’s not fact-based,” Gerken said of Trump’s comments. “We’re going to do what’s right for Lucas County. We know what’s right for us, this (research) validates it.”

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