Reps. Brent, Somani, Munira Denounce Anti-Immigrant Bills HB 1 & SB 88

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland), Anita Somani (D-Dublin) and Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus) issued a statement following their press conference denouncing House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88, which they say targets immigrant communities and violate federal housing protections.

“HB 1 and SB 88 have become symbols of hate within our country,” said Rep. Brent. “So many people in so many different parts of our state work or own businesses. Like myself and many others in this country, we are products of immigrants unless you are native to this land. No one wants to live in a state that allows people to be hated and discriminated against, no matter their race or country of origin.”

“As an Asian-American immigrant, my family came here just like other immigrants have since the country was founded over 250 years ago. We all come here for the promise of a better future for ourselves and our kids, and one of those ways to do that is to own property which helps build generational wealth,” said Rep. Somani. “SB 88 breaks that promise of a better life in America. It is racist and does nothing to protect Ohioans or improve Ohio. Fear and marginalizing different ethnic groups only further divides us as Americans and this bill would only serve to increase hate and prejudice against one group without any true benefit to any of us here in Ohio.”

“Asian Americans and immigrants overall make up a significant percentage of our economy and higher education system,” said Rep. Abdullahi. “So not only is this bill discriminatory and unconstitutional, but it also impacts Ohioans in real ways, from our businesses and schools to our tax base. This bill would harm our economy. It betrays the constitutional values we claim to care about. It betrays the fundamental principles we say we uphold in the Statehouse.”

HB 1 has now had its third hearing in the House and SB 88 its fourth in the Senate. As both bills continue to move, you can follow them here.