A heartwarming story of perseverance and community support, Mysa Khasawneh’s journey from renting to owning a home in Columbus, Ohio, highlights the broader narrative of immigrant homeownership in the state.
A Milestone Achievement
After nearly two decades of renting, Mysa Khasawneh, an immigrant from Jordan and a mother of four, has achieved a significant milestone by purchasing a two-bedroom house on Columbus’ Far West Side. This accomplishment is not just a personal victory for Khasawneh but a beacon of hope for many in the local Jordanian American community, especially for those contemplating homeownership. Khasawneh’s story underscores the potential for homeownership to serve as a foundation for financial stability and future investment in one’s family.
The State of Immigrant Homeownership
Ohio presents a mixed landscape for immigrant homeownership, with around 59% of foreign-born residents owning their homes, compared to approximately 70% of native-born residents. The data, analyzed by The Dispatch from the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, reveals a nuanced story of challenges and triumphs. Factors influencing homeownership rates among immigrants include employment opportunities, pre-immigration wealth, access to credit, legal status, discrimination, and community support networks.