Ohio Immigrant Alliance Blasts GOP Senate Primary Candidates
“These attacks show an ugly side of Ohio that needs to be eradicated, not elected into office”
Cleveland Heights, OH – As Ohio Republican Senate candidates J.D. Vance and Bernie Moreno malign, misrepresent, and demonize hard working Ohioans from immigrant backgrounds, the Ohio Immigrant Alliance urges all people of faith and good conscience to denounce these attacks.
Maryan Sy, an organizer with the Alliance, said: “Senate candidate Bernie Moreno’s campaign wants to initiate fear into the hearts of Ohioans. We know that America is a nation built by immigrants, whether they came by choice or by force. From the 17th century when Europeans came to construct canals in Ohio through today, people born in other countries have contributed to the Ohio economy in a positive way. We should embrace and accept that we are a nation born from immigrants.”
Added Lynn Tramonte, Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance:
When you insult and denigrate immigrants, you are attacking our parents, co-workers, neighbors, family members, and friends. Ohioans contributing to our state’s health, economy, food supply chain, and social fabric come from all backgrounds, including other countries. Immigrants are business owners, factory and farm workers, and medical professionals. Students, children, and future Ohio leaders.
I want to be clear: this is not about what immigrants do for Ohio, although their contributions are immense. It’s about who we are as Ohioans. These attacks show an ugly side of Ohio that needs to be eradicated, not elected into office.
Moreno and Vance’s depictions of immigrants are rooted in stereotypes and insulting to all Ohioans. True leaders bring people together, not pit us against each other. There can be no political space in this state for hate.
Moreno’s $4 million anti-immigrant ad campaign will be the most expensive in the history of Ohio primaries. Vance is also campaigning on a racially charged anti-immigrant stance. OHIA refuses to repeat their offensive language here, but it is widely and readily available for those who wish to see.
Meanwhile, the disaster in neighboring Kentucky is showing, in sad and desperate detail, how the lives of immigrants and U.S. born Americans are linked. Immigrants—including multiple members of individual families—are among the dead. Many have lost homes and businesses. Ana Massó, a pastor’s wife who is collecting donations for families, said: “The Latino community was hit hard by this tragedy. Many don’t know where to go or who to ask for help. I really don’t know where do we go from here.”
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