The Trump administration has announced it will end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants in August, impacting thousands of residents living in Springfield, Ohio. The decision affects Haitian immigrants who arrived in the city after the 2010 earthquake and are currently living on TPS.
Local leaders and organizations are providing support and resources to Haitian immigrants facing potential deportation. City leaders say the influx of 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian residents over recent years has significantly impacted the local economy, particularly in industries like manufacturing and housing.
Vilés Dorsainvil, executive director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, expressed concerns about the impact on Haitian immigrants. “There’s an increase of fear and anxiety from day to day… It’s not just Haitian immigrants, but every immigrant in the USA for now,” he said.
The city has filed a federal lawsuit against a neo-Nazi group accused of harassing residents who defended Haitian residents. In response to the announcement, some residents are preparing for drastic changes, particularly in the business community and housing sector.
As TPS ends, many Haitian immigrants will face uncertainty about their status and potential deportation. Dina Paul, a job counselor, warned that some clients may struggle to find work with the new expiration date of their status. The Biden administration had previously extended the TPS for Haiti until February 2026 due to concerns over natural disasters and gang violence.
Source: https://eu.dispatch.com/story/news/2025/02/21/springfield-haitians-react-to-news-of-trump-ending-protected-status/79436928007