SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — In a powerful display of solidarity, a crowd of hundreds came together at St. John Missionary Baptist Church to support Haitian migrants amid fears regarding the expiration of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The gathering featured over two dozen faith leaders representing different congregations across the nation.
The TPS designation, which allowed many Haitian migrants to reside legally in the U.S. due to ongoing instability rooted in gang violence and unrest, is set to expire, raising concerns for the future of thousands. Attendees passionately called for an extension of this critical protection.
Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, spoke fervently, expressing hope that a federal judge would intervene on behalf of current TPS holders. We believe in the legal system of this country of ours, we still believe. We believe that through the legal ways, the judge hopefully will rule in favor of current TPS holders today that will allow them to stay while we continue to fight, she shared.
So significant was the turnout that fire marshals requested approximately 150 individuals to leave due to exceeding the church's 700-person capacity. Throughout the event, participants sang and prayed for the Haitian community with words of love and determination, affirming their commitment to protect those who feel they have nowhere else to turn.
The fear surrounding the cancellation of TPS has been exacerbated by a broader federal immigration enforcement strategy. Recent threats and comments made by political figures have heightened anxiety within the already vulnerable Haitian community in Springfield, which consists of an estimated 15,000 individuals.
As some congregants lamented the potential implications of losing TPS, community leaders emphasized that without this status, many Haitians would face dire consequences, from homelessness to financial hardship. Jerome Bazard, a community member, articulated the sentiment felt by many: Without the TPS, they can’t work. And if they can’t work, they can’t eat, they can’t pay bills. You’re killing the people.
The unifying gathering serves as both a call to action and a moment of reflection, urging policymakers to consider the human impact of immigration laws and the importance of compassion towards those seeking refuge from untenable conditions in their home country.
