Haitian TPS Situation in Springfield, Ohio

After the Trump administration upheld a Supreme Court decision reinstating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, Springfield, Ohio—a town of roughly 45,000—has become a focal point. The town has seen an influx of around 15,000 Haitians benefiting from TPS.

The revocation of the 2010 TPS designation, which was intended to be temporary, means that close to 350,000 Haitians across the country now face the dilemma of deportation or choosing voluntary repatriation.

There are claims circulating online that as many as 80 percent of the Haitians in Springfield left due to their TPS status being revoked. This claim seems highly exaggerated; while there are some anecdotal reports, and evidence of people leaving the country, there is nothing to support the idea of mass deportation.

Time is ticking, as TPS for these Haitians is set to expire on Friday, July 24.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the TPS for Haitians was extended for two weeks on July 10, giving some relief to many in the Springfield area. TPS was originally slated to expire on Friday, and the recent Supreme Court ruling has led to protests in Springfield over the past two weeks.

“TPS for Haitians is scheduled to end on July 24 and for Syrians on July 17,” the report noted. Thousands of Haitians in Springfield were still legally going to work leading up to the deadline for their work permits.

The 80 percent figure reportedly comes from unverified comments made by a Haitian resident of Springfield interviewed by Spectrum News.

In light of recent developments, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded encouraging individuals whose TPS status is set to end to utilize the government’s voluntary deportation program, which provides free airfare as well as a $2,600 incentive.

“Haitian nationals exiting TPS in Springfield, Ohio will be voluntarily deported following last month’s Supreme Court ruling,” announced a DHS post. “To others in the United States who have terminated TPS: Please leave voluntarily. We can assist with a check for $2,600 and a free flight back to your home country.”

While it’s understandably frustrating to need to accept such terms, it might be seen as a more manageable option than the alternative of facing the struggle of arranging individual transportation home.

Let’s not forget: for many, this isn’t just about paperwork. They were brought here by an earthquake, knowing their stay would be temporary. It’s now been 16 years. Rather than protesting, perhaps expressing gratitude toward the country for the additional time could be a more helpful approach.