Ohio Governor Urges Reevaluation of Haitians’ Status
In a recent statement, Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine called on President Trump to reconsider the decision to revoke temporary protected status (TPS) for numerous Haitians. This move follows Trump’s controversial past remarks about Haitians, which included insensitive comments.
DeWine pointed out that over 10,000 Haitians reside in Ohio, adding that last week’s Supreme Court ruling now permits Trump to lift these protections, potentially leading to large-scale deportations. However, he stressed that this action is problematic.
“You can’t fly into Port-au-Prince today,” DeWine remarked on CNN’s “State of the Union,” alluding to the capital plagued by violence.
He noted that the lack of flights into the city is due to gang leaders threatening to shoot down arriving planes.
“This environment is incredibly dangerous,” DeWine emphasized, arguing against the idea of sending Haitians back to their home country amid ongoing violence.
He referenced the recent tragic deaths of schoolchildren caught in gang crossfire, saying that gangs dominate significant portions of Haiti.
The TPS framework allows eligible immigrants from endangered countries to obtain temporary residency and work permits in the U.S., a system that has been in effect for Haitians since the 2010 earthquake.
Approximately 350,000 Haitians are currently in the U.S. under TPS, many residing in Ohio’s Springfield area.
As of March last year, over 1.3 million individuals across 17 nations benefited from TPS protection in the U.S., according to the National Immigration Forum.
Recently, the Supreme Court upheld that the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate TPS status is not subject to legal review.
A lower court had previously blocked the move, but the high court ruled that the law governing TPS restricts any judicial review of its termination.
Immigrant advocacy groups highlighted Trump’s past derogatory remarks about Haitian immigrants when addressing issues of racial bias.
Still, Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the majority opinion, argued that those comments weren’t overtly racist and reflected policy perspectives that could be explained by various race-neutral arguments.
In response, DeWine expressed his acceptance of the Supreme Court’s ruling, noting its authority in legal matters. He added, “I think it’s vital to differentiate between legal interpretations and public policy concerns.”
DeWine expressed hope that Trump would rethink his stance, emphasizing that Haitians currently fill jobs that otherwise remain vacant.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced that Haitians returning home under TPS would receive approximately $2,100 each. He noted that these individuals had ample opportunities to apply for legal residency while in the U.S.
Responding to the Level 4 travel advisory from the State Department, which warns of significant crime and gang violence in Haiti, Mullin seemed to downplay the risks for returning Haitians.
“Well, don’t travel,” he advised, clarifying that the advisory is aimed at American citizens and does not necessarily reflect the safety of those who live in Haiti.
