Ohio House Bill 42: Collection of Immigration Status
A new anti-immigrant data collection bill, Ohio HB 42, has been introduced and is currently being heard by the Government Oversight Committee. This bill requires state agencies and entities, including schools, to collect and report data concerning the citizenship or immigration status of people they serve.
Schools and service agencies alike will tell you stories of how growing fear of immigration enforcement has contributed to low enrollment and reduced participation in life-saving programs. Many of our partners have worked hard to build trust and provide a safe environment for families to access the services they need and are legally entitled to.
This bill is trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. There are already numerous strict qualifications to access public benefits. Our legislature should be spending its energy tackling the real problems of hunger, homelessness, and quality healthcare for all, instead of scapegoating and intimidating immigrants.
The sponsors of this bill hope to use this data to slash the budgets of already underfunded programs. School districts with large populations of immigrant students will be targeted, even though they have a legal responsibility to educate all children regardless of immigration status.
Now is the time to contact Government Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Thomas Hall (R-46) to let him know you oppose HB 42 and demand there be no more hearings on the bill: (614) 644-5094 or email Rep46@ohiohouse.gov.