COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s been five months since the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs was established in Columbus.


What You Need To Know

  • 14 Columbus community members are seated on the new Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs 

  • The 14 appointments represent over 10 countries and 15 languages 

  • The goal of the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs is to be a liason between the immigrant and refugee communities and local policymakers 

After lots of discussion and town hall meetings, 14 appointments for the newly formed committee are seated. 

“We are different and we're changing every day and we just want to ensure that everyone, no matter who you are, if you've chosen to make Columbus home, that prosperity can be yours,” said Columbus City Council membe Lourdes Barroso de Padilla.   

This commission has been years in the making and now it’s complete. As of now, it's made up of 14 Columbus community members representing over 10 countries and more than 15 languages. 

“You will see the diversity of ethnic background and the age of experience of careers that they represent,” said Barroso de Padilla. 

Chair of The Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Barth Shepkong says the work ahead is overwhelming but necessary.

“It's very exciting. And at the same time a little bit scary to say the least, but because of the work that is ahead,” said Shepkong.   

Shepkong immigrated to the United States 20 years ago and knows firsthand the challenges the immigrant and refugee communities face every day. He says one of the biggest issues facing the immigrant community and one of his main priorities as chair of this commission is to help immigrants and refugees feel comfortable in their new community. 

“Assimilation is one of the biggest problems as far as I'm concerned. You know, I'm speaking as someone that lived that experience. So, it took time for people to assimilate. But I think that is one of the biggest  problems that people have when they get into a new community,” said Shepkong.   

As a daughter of immigrants herself, Barroso de Padilla says this new commission is personal. 

“Being the first Latina, being the first person from the immigrant and refugee community of modern times that is sitting on council was not something that I took lightly. And I wanted to ensure that we gave truly gave power back to the people and gave them an opportunity to have a voice in their democracy,” said Barroso de Padilla. 

According to the sponsor of this new commission, Barroso de Padilla, they don’t have an exact date of when the commission’s work will begin but they will start as soon as possible.