Standing together against immigrant scapegoating: support for Springfield and Dayton

Together, we can stand against scapegoating and build welcoming communities where everyone belongs.

We all deserve to feel safe, welcome, and find a sense of belonging in the communities we call home — whether we’ve just arrived or have lived here for generations. Recent narratives about Springfield and Dayton, Ohio, have once again highlighted the dangerous impact of fear-mongering and scapegoating.

Welcoming America stands in solidarity with our neighbors from Haiti and the vibrant African communities, including those from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Somalia, that enrich Springfield and Dayton. We offer our deepest support to all those whose identities and aspirations have been diminished, and whose safety has been jeopardized, by the increasingly divisive rhetoric and fear being stoked for political gain.

As Mayor of Dayton, Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. said:

“The City of Dayton’s success depends on making sure that all residents feel welcome here. We stand by our immigrant and refugee community and value their contributions to our city’s vibrant culture and economy. They are an integral part of what makes our city the kind of place where people want to live, work, and play. We are proud to be a Certified Welcoming city and remain committed to creating an inclusive environment for all Dayton residents.”

At Welcoming America, we’ve spent the past 15 years supporting communities to foster inclusion and embrace newcomers. We are confident that proven solutions exist — solutions that foster connection, mutual respect, and safety for both newcomers and longtime residents, while directly addressing anti-Black racism and other forms of identity-based discrimination that shape true belonging. While the recent events in Springfield and Dayton may have captivated public attention in new ways, this is not a new story. Cities and towns across the country have both succeeded and struggled in their efforts to meaningfully embrace people with immigrant and refugee backgrounds.

Welcoming Week 2022 in Dayton, Ohio

Cities like Dayton, Ohio; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrate how a commitment to leading through demographic change — marked by a welcoming spirit and policies that eliminate barriers to participation and foster intergroup dialogue — can lead to resilience and success. By moving beyond fear, these communities have shown that navigating change effectively is not only possible but can also result in inclusive environments where residents from all backgrounds can thrive. 

Welcoming America calls upon public and private sectors — and the Biden Administration — to invest in the critical infrastructure needed to build welcoming communities. By doing so, we can help ensure that all people — whether newcomers or longtime residents — have the resources and stability they need to contribute and succeed. This isn’t just about addressing today’s challenges. It’s about preparing our communities for the future. We must recognize that immigrants and their families are not disposable but are integral to the long-term vitality of our country and economy.

This week, as communities around the world celebrate Welcoming Week — a grassroots initiative born a decade ago to counter dehumanizing policies and narratives — we are reminded that this effort transcends immigration alone. It is about overcoming dangerous scapegoating and moving past “us” versus “them” to embrace a vision of ourselves as neighbors. Our democracy, economy, and ability to live peacefully and safely depend on this collective effort. Powerful forces may hope we remain passive, seeing these challenges as too complex or contentious to address. But the risk of inaction is far greater.

We must courageously speak out — not only to support one another and denounce hate but to actively build welcoming communities in our own backyards. Welcoming America is ready to assist all those who see themselves in the story of Springfield and Dayton and are committed to creating communities that embody our highest values and greatest potential. Together, we can build a future where everyone — regardless of where they come from — can find a home, contribute, and thrive.

Community Resources

Learn more about the organizations dedicated to building bridges and supporting welcoming efforts in Ohio:

About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities with the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.

Media Contact: Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, [email protected]