Local Perspectives on Immigration ReformSince the 19th century, economic opportunity attracted large numbers of immigrants to Northeast Ohio. While many immigrants found work in the factories of Cuyahoga County, the fertile and sandy soil found on the southern shores of Lake Erie have beckoned laborers to the nursery industry since the 1830s.
While Congress debates immigration reform in Washington, D.C., the issue continues to affect lives right here in Northeast Ohio. In an effort to understand the impact that immigrants have on our community, students in Honors PSL interviewed several local leaders to capture their perspective on the issue. Their findings are published here in hopes that these diverse perspectives will help to inform current and future leaders as they work toward meaningful immigration reform. |
Class of 2019 Contributions
Maria Cisneros
Teacher, Perry Local Schools Perry, Ohio "The Every Day Lives of Immigrant Students & Their Families" By Marah Hauser, '19 |
Richard Drucker
Attorney, Margaret W. Wong & Associates, LLP Cleveland, Ohio "Working with an Always-Changing Puzzle: Immigration Law" By Sarah Estvanko, '19 |
David Lima
Member, Showing Up for Racial Justice Northeast Ohio "SURJing into the Future" By Melissa Leiden, '19 |
Jeff Goodman
Teacher, Perry High School Perry, Ohio "An Educator's View on Immigration" By Abigail Anderson, '19 |
John Hogue
Catholic Worker, Su Casa Chicago, Illinois "Creating a Home for Immigrants" By Amanda Schueren, '19 |
Rob King
Owner, R.B. King Properties Perry, Ohio "Impact of Migrant Workers on the American Workforce" By Ava Strahan, '19 |
Karin Wishner
Director, US Committee on Refugees & Immigrants Cleveland, Ohio "The First American Face for Refugees" By Juilia DiBease, '19 |
Ame West
Owner, West Orchards Perry, Ohio "Local Business Owner Admires Industrious Work of Immigrants" By Skyler Sigl, '19 |
Jeremy Hollon
Director of Community Partnerships, CRIS Columbus, Ohio "Refugees Are the Future of America" By Autumn Graham, '19 |
Class of 2018 Contributions
The Honorable Sherrod Brown
Senator, U.S. Senate Cleveland, Ohio "Working for Immigration Reform that Will Strengthen Our Country" By Leigh Stavar, '18 |
Mark Gilson
Retired Nursery Owner Perry, Ohio "We are a nation of immigrants and laws" By Cassandra Warfield, '18 |
Class of 2018 Contributions
John Lentz
Pastor, Forest Hill Presbytyrian Church Cleveland Heights, Ohio "We Must Take Care of Each Other: Local Pastor Protects Immigrant Facing Deportation" By Tia Gillespie, '18 |
Kerissa MacKay
Program Manager, United States Committee on Refugees and Immigrants Cleveland, Ohio "Refugees Work Hard and Make Fantastic Citizens" By Toni Kirk, '18 |
Mohamad Shafi Member, Islamic Center of Cleveland Parma, Ohio "Local Muslims Confront Travel Ban with Humility and Grace" By Eric Carlon, '18 |
Dr. Jack Thompson Superintendent, Perry Local Schools Perry, Ohio "The Importance of Equal Education Opportunities" By Kirk Hodkinson, '18 |