Gov. Mike DeWine recently urged President Trump to pursue comprehensive immigration reform after the 2026 midterms, leveraging strengthened border security as a foundation for pragmatic changes to legal immigration pathways. In a “Face the Nation” appearance, DeWine likened the moment to “Richard Nixon going to China,” saying policymakers must decide “who we really want to come in” to support workforce and economic growth while maintaining secure borders.

DeWine highlighted legal immigrants’ role in Ohio’s economy, noting that foreign-born residents comprised about 70% of the state’s population growth last year. Their presence has been linked to local economic activity, including housing investment, new businesses and increased consumer spending. He pointed to Springfield’s manufacturing rebound as a prime example. Haitian workers on Temporary Protected Status filled jobs that local employers could not otherwise staff, contributing to Springfield’s manufacturing rebound and supporting factories that keep Ohio competitive.

The governor emphasized retaining foreign talent, such as Ohio’s 22,000 international students, as key assets for advanced manufacturing and high-skill sectors, where workforce shortages persist. The comments highlight an ongoing policy debate over how immigration rules can support workforce availability, economic growth and long-term manufacturing competitiveness. 2/23/2026