As the Trump administration targets immigrants for removal from the United States, Columbus leaders have established a
It鈥檚 estimated more than 23,000 international migrants moved into Columbus between 2023 and 2024.
The commission鈥檚 new chair, Bartholomew Shepkong, spoke with 星空无限传媒鈥檚 Debbie Holmes to explain what the agency will do.
Debbie Holmes: What are the biggest needs of these communities and has that changed over the years?
Bartholomew Shepkong: The biggest need of this community for me is assimilation. It remains a significant hurdle for many newcomers. You know, and one of the biggest problems that they enter into when entering a new community, as I said, is assimilation. So, our work as a commission is to facilitate smoother integration by promoting not just cultural competency within the city, service and fostering community engagement, but also amplifying immigrant voices in policymaking.
Debbie Holmes: What is the toughest part of assimilating here?
Bartholomew Shepkong: The toughest part for me, historically, when you look at it, immigrants and refugees have lacked direct representation in local governance. The commission aims to provide a structured avenue for these communities to influence city policies and decisions, and also ensuring that their needs and perspective are being considered.
Debbie Holmes: Is one of the biggest needs affordable housing?
Bartholomew Shepkong: Absolutely. Affordable housing is one of the biggest needs, especially here in central Ohio. And we as a commission are going to be working with the policy makers to make sure that those needs are being addressed.
Debbie Holmes: Well, you heard about the story of the Haitian immigrants that were in a rundown apartment complex and had to evacuate rather quickly.
Bartholomew Shepkong: Absolutely, that is so sad. And again, as I said, these are some of the issues that are out there that we have to work with the city council, those in charge, those at the helm of affairs to make sure that that does not happen again.
Debbie Holmes: What are some of the other parts of your organization that will help immigrants?
Bartholomew Shepkong: Part of the commission, the work of the commission is again to create annual work plans and engagement reports. We have to go out there, go into the community and speak to people, get to hear their stories and also their needs. Monitor and advocate for policies that are related to these immigrants and refugees鈥� welfare. We're going to be evaluating some of the existing policies and recommendations that need improvement, especially within the city council and also, most importantly, to foster community engagement and also promote inclusivity.
Debbie Holmes: You're also the CEO of the Ohio African Chamber of Commerce. How does that influence your work with the city?
Bartholomew Shepkong: It will definitely influence because immigrants and refugees significantly contribute to Columbus' economy. So, they're often filling essential roles and starting businesses is basically difficult, but we are going to be working to make sure that barriers such as language proficiency and credential recognition can no longer hinder their full participation. So, we seek you know, to identify and mitigate some of these barriers that will enhance economic opportunities for these communities.
Debbie Holmes: What are your thoughts about attacks on the immigrant community by the Trump administration?
Bartholomew Shepkong: It is very unfortunate to say the least. You know, as we know, the recent federal actions have introduced significant challenges for immigrants and refugees. For example, the executive order that was signed in January that froze federal funding for refugees鈥� settlement programs leading to layoffs and also reduced services at local organizations like ETSS (Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services), CRIS (Community Refugee & Immigration Services), and other organizations that help the immigrants and refugees, this has created uncertainty and fear among the immigrant population. We as a commission serve as a local mechanism to address these challenges. And what we're going to do is to provide a platform for advocacy and also support.
