DeWine urges Trump to pursue sweeping immigration reform after 2026 midterms

WASHINGTON, DC: Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine emerged as a policy optimist on Sunday, February 22, suggesting that Trump has a historic opportunity to pass comprehensive immigration reform following the 2026 midterm elections.

Appearing on "Face the Nation," DeWine argued that because the President has "fixed the border," the political environment is now right for a "Richard Nixon going to China" moment, doing something no president has achieved in four decades. 

DeWine emphasized that once border security is established, the administration should pivot toward reforming legal immigration. He maintained that while there is a consensus on removing violent offenders, there is also an opportunity to build a system that decides "who we really want to come in" to support the nation's vibrancy and workforce needs.

Retaining foreign students as state assets

A central pillar of DeWine’s vision for reform involves the thousands of international students currently enrolled in American universities. He pointed out that Ohio alone has approximately 22,000 foreign students and expressed concern that the current framework often educates these individuals only for them to return to their home countries or relocate elsewhere.

"They would be a great asset to the state of Ohio," DeWine stated, labeling their retention as exactly the type of reform the President should prioritize. He maintained that keeping these highly educated graduates in the US would strengthen the local economy and help address workforce gaps in advanced manufacturing and other high-skill industries.

Economic boost from legal workforces

DeWine defended the economic contributions of legal immigrants, citing the Haitian community in Springfield as a case in point. He noted that Springfield, once a declining manufacturing city, has been "coming back" largely due to Haitians filling essential jobs that employers were unable to fill through other means.

The Governor warned that revoking status for such hardworking individuals would be a mistake, as it would leave many unemployed and harm the vibrancy they have brought to the community. DeWine highlighted that 70% of individuals who moved to Ohio last year were foreign-born, and their presence has led to renovated houses, new restaurants, and a more robust consumer base.

Creating a historic legacy of reform

DeWine urged the President to look beyond the current political rhetoric and consider the long-term benefits of a common-sense immigration policy. He argued that after the 2026 elections, the time will be ripe for the President to sit down and pass legislation that meets the needs of businesses and communities alike.

While acknowledging that his optimistic view might differ from some current administration rhetoric, DeWine insisted that being a "tough negotiator" can lead to lasting legal solutions. He expressed hope that by focusing on policy results rather than political theater, the administration can finally resolve the decades-old issues surrounding the nation's legal immigration pathways.