(Source : Guardian) Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are fleeing the city in large numbers following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, driven by fears of mass deportation and the possible end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Margery Koveleski, a local community leader who has helped Haitians navigate bureaucratic challenges for years, says many are now seeking her help to leave. “People are leaving,” Koveleski told The Guardian, explaining that some don’t have internet access or credit cards and come to her for assistance booking bus or plane tickets.
Trump, who has repeatedly promised to end TPS—a program that allows thousands of Haitians to live and work legally in the U.S.—has made it a central issue in his anti-immigration platform. Local Haitian leaders, including Jacob Payen of the Haitian Community Alliance, report that several families have already moved to cities like New Jersey, Boston, and even Canada, seeking refuge from potential deportation.
The deportation fears were further fueled by a sheriff in nearby Sidney, Ohio, who reportedly told local police to “arrest” Haitian immigrants and “figure out if they’re legal.” The city’s Haitian community, which has played a significant role in revitalizing Springfield’s economy, is now facing a serious threat to its future.
“We’re talking about businesses closing and jobs disappearing if these people leave,” said Payen, noting that Haitian immigrants have helped to revitalize local industries such as produce packaging and auto manufacturing.
Springfield’s Haitian community has been central to the city’s revival in recent years, but tensions have escalated since Trump made false claims about Haitian immigrants during the election, which were followed by neo-Nazi marches and bomb threats. The fear of deportation has exacerbated the uncertainty, with many now questioning their future in the U.S.
While some legal experts believe it is unlikely that Trump will end TPS immediately after taking office, the anxiety among immigrants remains high. The Guardian reports that the city’s economy could be significantly impacted if a large portion of the Haitian workforce leaves, further deepening the challenges facing Springfield’s struggling neighborhoods.
As the situation unfolds, local leaders worry that the city could lose not only vital workers but also crucial contributions to its local economy.
