Councilwoman Calling on City, County Organizations to Create Immigrant/Newcomers Plan

Jun 07, 2023

Cleveland (June 7, 2023) – Councilwoman Jasmin Santana receives weekly calls about immigrant or newcomer families in need. As Council’s only Latina member, many look to her and her staff for workforce and housing assistance.

It’s nothing new. After the devastating hurricanes in Puerto Rico over the past few years, many relocated to Cleveland, where they have family and other ties. Recently she received news that 25 Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) families had migrated without assistance. But these families' needs are beyond what a single Council member can do.

For these reasons and more, Councilwoman Santana is convening a group of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County organizations at 1 pm today (6/7) at the Pivot Center, 2937 W. 25th St.

“I want everyone, beyond the social service organizations that are helping but stretched beyond their capacity, to discuss how to create a more coordinated Immigrant/Newcomer plan,” said Councilwoman Santana. “We talk a lot about the decline in population or the lack of capacity in the construction field and manufacturing companies yet we don't take advantage of this great opportunity to train, place, and assist the immigrant population.

“Council recently demonstrated its support for newcomers and longtime Cleveland residents with Ordinance 508-2023, which allocates $1.5 million to the CentroVilla 25 development, a future community center that will serve as the cultural and commercial hub of Northeast Ohio's Hispanic communities,” Councilwoman Santana continued. “The city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County needs a plan as we see an influx of newcomers to the region. I hope the meeting today moves us forward.”