SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — In a church overflowing with supporters, two dozen faith leaders and hundreds in the congregation came together Monday to sing and pray for the safety of Haitian migrants, many of whom fear losing their protected status in the United States.
Representatives from various congregations across the nation joined the event at Springfield's St. John Missionary Baptist Church, emphasizing their demand for an extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that has permitted thousands of Haitians to reside legally in Springfield. However, this designation is set to expire shortly, prompting fears that many could be forced back to a homeland plagued by violence and unrest.
Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, spoke passionately to the crowd, stating, We have been called for such a time as this to protect those who have nowhere else to go. They cannot go back to Haiti. Jozef expressed hope that a federal judge would intervene before TPS termination, allowing Haitian migrants more time to transition.
The event saw such significant turnout that fire marshals were compelled to ask around 150 attendees to leave due to exceeding the 700-person capacity. Together, attendees sang, You got to put one foot in front of the other and lead with love, reflecting a message of solidarity and hope.
Haitians living in Springfield are already feeling the strain of anxiety and fear as the deadline approaches, with leaders from the community stating that many families are altering daily activities, avoiding public spaces for fear of immigration raids.
The DHS had previously announced a termination of TPS for approximately 500,000 Haitians, arguing that conditions in Haiti had improved significantly enough for safe return. However, critics argue that the reality in Haiti remains dangerous, insisting that TPS is crucial for many families.
Springfield's Haitian community leader Viles Dorsainvil expressed deep concern over the potential ramifications of TPS expiration, stating, As we are getting close to the end of the TPS, it has intensified the fear, the anxiety, the panic. The uncertain landscape fueled by immigration crackdowns has contributed to a culture of fear within the local immigrant population.
The gathering not only served as a rally for TPS but also as a moment of remembrance for those who have lost their lives in federal detention, demonstrating the community's commitment to advocating for humane immigration policies.
