As we mark St. Patrick’s Day, this week we decided to spend some time on our #GOPCThread taking a look at immigrants from the world over who have decided to make Ohio their home, and in so doing have helped to shape the landscape and define what it means to be a Buckeye.

Not on Twitter? The thread is available online, as well as below.

Greater Ohio Policy Center Read on Twitter

Today marks St. Patrick’s Day, a day to celebrate “all things Irish”. More than 14% of Ohio’s population can claim Irish Heritage. 

That got us thinking about the heritage and diversity of Ohio. Most Ohioans are descended from immigrants who migrated here from someplace, and even today, Ohio continues to benefit from new generations of immigrants who are looking for new opportunities in the Buckeye State. 

This week, our #GOPCThread looks at the immigrant generations of the past and present who have contributed to Ohio's amazing diversity & made the state an economic powerhouse

Over 1/4 of Ohio residents report having German ancestry, making it the largest ancestry group in the state. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, millions of German immigrants settled in Ohio #GOPCThread

German immigrants created distinct neighborhoods like #OverTheRhine in Cincinnati or #GermanVillage in Cbus, & settled many cities across the state: New Bremen, Minster, Marie Stein, Gnadenhutten, & Sugar Creek (which is technically Swiss, but also has German roots) #GOPCThread

Ohio received an influx of Italian immigrants in the 20th century, with many settling in established communities in Cleveland & Northeast Ohio. At one point, Italians made up 80% of the barbers and 70% of the cooks in the city of Cleveland #GOPCThread

Italians also settled in the Greater Mahoning Valley, including in Niles, Youngstown, and Warren. Immigrants here left such a lasting cultural impact that they even created unique cuisine in the Ohio Valley-style Pizza #GOPCThread

Other groups of immigrants formed communities in cities around the state, like the “1818 Welsh,” a small community of Welsh immigrants who settled in Jackson and Gallia Counties #GOPCThread

In the Greater Cleveland area, a vibrant Polish community settled in the Slavic Village. Immigrants made significant contributions in the area, including the foundation of @ThirdFederal #GOPCThread

Ohio is also the home of a large population of Ukrainian immigrants, w/ an estimated 42K who can trace their history to that nation.

Parma, outside of Cleveland, has the largest population in Ohio, with more than 4K concentration in an area known as Ukrainian Village

Though Puerto Ricans are not immigrants (they’re American citizens!), they’ve had a significant impact in Lorain, where ~30% of the population claims Hispanic ethnicity. Puerto Ricans began relocating to Lorain in earnest in the ‘40’s, attracted by area steel mills #GOPCThread

Toledo has the largest Arab community in Ohio, which grew through the 1960s with families from Lebanon, Syria, & Palestine. More recently, Syrian refugees have arrived in Toledo, fleeing violence in Syria #GOPCThread

In 2006, Ahiska Turks were settled in Dayton, where they purchased and rehabilitated residential and commercial buildings.  North Dayton’s revitalization is largely due to the Ahiska Turkish community. #GOPCThread

Today, new immigrants are coming to Ohio from other parts of the world. According to @NatImmForum, the top countries of origin for immigrants were India (11%), Mexico (8%), China (6%), the Philippines (3%), and Canada (3%) #GOPCThread

In the wake of federal policy changes made last year, Ohio is once again receiving new immigrants and refugees, including Aghan families in Cincinnati and other cities, Haitians in Springfield, and, unfortunately, potentially Ukrainians.  #GOPCThread

Immigrants enhance Ohio’s cultural and social landscape. Again from @immcouncil, 42% of immigrants to Ohio had a college degree or more in 2018, compared to 28% of native-born residents. Only 17% of the immigrant population had less than a high school education #GOPCThread

These new Americans not only bring vital talent to our state but tend to be younger and able to fill labor shortages created by an aging and retiring workforce.

Immigration can help offset declining population trends in Ohio’s smaller legacy cities. Research provided by @GlobalCleveland showed the population in NEO decreased by .4% from 2014-2019 but the immigrant population grew by 7.3% during this time

#OhioWelcomingInitiativesNetwork, part of the nat’l @WelcomingUSA, a network of local welcoming initiatives comprising @Cincy_Compass @GlobalCleveland @iiakron @ustogethercle #WelcomeBowlingGreenOH #WelcomeDaytonOH  #WelcomeToledoLucasCo #WelcomingCity

This group supported the creation of Ohio’s Office of Opportunities for New Americans in '18 under @JohnKasich at @OhioDevelopment. The office focuses on coordinating state efforts w/ immigrant support groups & dismantling barriers that impede integration.

To all the immigrants who have helped to make Ohio the amazing & unique place that we all call home, & continue to add new & inspiring chapters to our story, we say thank you!