From a modest office tucked behind a Haitian grocery store on Springfield’s bustling South Limestone Street, Margery Koveleski has dedicated herself for years to assisting the local Haitian community, helping them navigate the often daunting bureaucratic hurdles that can complicate their lives in this Ohio city.
However, Koveleski – who has strong ties to the Haitian community through her family – has recently observed a significant shift among the individuals seeking her help.
Instead of seeking assistance for settling in, Haitians are approaching her with urgent questions about how to leave Springfield.
“Some individuals lack access to credit cards or the internet and need our help to secure transportation, whether that’s a bus or plane ticket,” she explained to the Guardian in a recent interview. “It’s evident that people are leaving.”
Koveleski and other leaders within Springfield’s Haitian community have reported a growing exodus of Haitians from the city, which is home to approximately 60,000 residents. This change is largely driven by fears of widespread deportations that have intensified following Donald Trump’s electoral victory on November 5.
“One store owner is considering relocating back to New York or Chicago due to a significant drop in his business,” Koveleski noted, shedding light on the economic implications of this mass departure.
Trump has made it clear through his rhetoric that he intends to terminate immigrants’ temporary protected status (TPS) – a vital protection that allows many Haitians to live and work legally in the U.S. – alongside plans to deport Haitians from Springfield once he assumes office.
For many members of the Haitian community, these threats are not merely political chatter; they are genuine concerns that shape their decisions.
In another alarming development, a sheriff in Sidney, located about 40 miles northwest of Springfield and home to a substantial number of Haitian immigrants, allegedly instructed local police to detain individuals from the community. During a recent meeting, he declared, “Bring them – I’ll figure out if they’re legal,” demonstrating the heightened anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement.
Jacob Payen, co-founder of the Haitian Community Alliance and a local entrepreneur who assists Haitians with their tax filings, conveyed the gravity of the situation: “People are acutely aware of the election outcome, and the fear of mass deportation is prompting their departure.”
“Some of my clients have already left. One man and his family moved to New Jersey, while others have relocated to Boston. I know of three families that have chosen to go to Canada,” he added, illustrating the exodus across state lines.
Community leaders indicate that some Haitians might seek refuge in nearby cities like Dayton, where they believe they would be less conspicuous to law enforcement. Others, who had previously found temporary asylum in Brazil, are even contemplating a return to the South American nation.
If these people leave, that money is gone from the city and the local economy
Jacob Payen, Haitian Community Alliance co-founder
Unofficial results from the recent presidential election reveal that Trump narrowly defeated Harris in Springfield by fewer than 150 votes, capitalizing on anti-immigration sentiments that falsely alleged immigrant-related issues within the community.
Established in 1990, the TPS program currently provides legal residency to over 800,000 immigrants from 16 nations that have faced turmoil or humanitarian crises. Notably, around 300,000 Haitians escaping rampant violence have been granted TPS protections, which are set to last until at least February 3, 2026.
While TPS historically garnered bipartisan support, the Trump administration’s attempts to terminate this program faced judicial challenges. A California court ruled in 2020 that the administration holds the power to end TPS for Haitians and those from three other countries.
The authority to grant and renew TPS lies with the Secretary of Homeland Security, and reports indicate that Trump is considering nominating South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for the position; she has previously mobilized state national guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.
The backdrop of these deportation threats coincides with escalating violence in Haiti, particularly from gang affiliations tied to political influences. The main airport in Port-au-Prince has faced periodic closures, recently shutting down again following gunfire aimed at a commercial passenger flight from the U.S., marking the second incident of this nature since October.
Experts remain skeptical regarding the swift termination of TPS following Trump’s inauguration on January 20. “The Haitian community fears that TPS will be revoked, but I believe that will not happen immediately for various reasons,” stated Katie Kersh, a senior attorney at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality.
“The potential burden on an already overwhelmed immigration court system due to mass deportation efforts would be considerable.”
Even in the event of TPS’s termination, current immigration laws facilitate court hearings which could extend for months or even years. Similarly, individuals with pending asylum applications are entitled to their cases being reviewed.
In fact, ending TPS could worsen the undocumented immigration crisis rather than resolve it.
“TPS affords employment authorization and the right to reside in the U.S.; if it ceases, individuals lose these rights instantly unless another legal status is available,” explained Ahilan Arulanantham from UCLA’s School of Law, who previously challenged Trump’s attempts to revoke TPS for Haitians in 2018.
“This impact occurs regardless of whether deportation is pursued afterward.”
The strain any deportation effort would place on an already stretched immigration court system would be significant
Katie Kersh, senior attorney
Many food items stocked in Springfield’s Caribbean stores originate from the U.S., including local staples like chicken, beef, and eggs sourced from nearby farms.
Recently, a Haitian community organization has acquired a former fire station, envisioning its transformation into a hub for English language classes, driver education, and community gatherings.
“I pay thousands of dollars in income and property taxes annually,” Payen emphasized, highlighting the economic contributions of the Haitian community. “Since I assist Haitians in filing their taxes, I can see the financial impact; if they leave, that revenue disappears from both the city and the local economy.”
Interestingly, some Haitians have expressed disillusionment with prominent Democrats like Bill and Hillary Clinton, blaming them for the devastation in their country following the catastrophic earthquake in 2010 that claimed around 250,000 lives and displaced over a million people.
Though their Clinton Foundation initiated numerous reconstruction projects in Haiti, raising billions in the process, many Haitians feel funds were mismanaged or inadequately allocated, a claim the Clintons vigorously deny.
The trafficking of large numbers of U.S. firearms into Haiti in recent years has heightened concern among Springfield’s Haitian community, as Koveleski noted.
“They don’t trust the Democratic party,” she remarked. “Some believe that if Donald Trump states, ‘leave Haiti alone,’ he might keep his promise and leave them alone as well.”
How is the local community supporting Haitian individuals facing the fear of deportation?
**Interview with Margery Koveleski, Community Advocate for the Haitian Community in Springfield, Ohio**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Margery. You’ve been a strong advocate for the Haitian community in Springfield for many years. Can you share what you’ve recently observed regarding the needs of this community?
**Margery Koveleski**: Thank you for having me. Over the years, my role has primarily revolved around helping new arrivals adapt and integrate into Springfield. Recently, however, I’ve noticed a troubling shift—many individuals are now coming to me with urgent inquiries about how to leave the city. There’s a palpable fear of mass deportations, especially following the recent election results.
**Editor**: That sounds distressing. What specific factors do you believe are motivating this exodus?
**Margery Koveleski**: The primary concern is the threat to Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows many Haitians to live and work in the U.S. The rhetoric from the new administration has intensified fears of deportation, leading many to feel that their safety is at risk. They’re seeking help to secure transportation, often lacking access to tools like credit cards or the internet. It’s heartbreaking to see families feeling they have no choice but to leave.
**Editor**: You mentioned economic implications as well. Can you elaborate on that?
**Margery Koveleski**: Absolutely. Many local businesses that cater to the Haitian community are suffering. For instance, one store owner I spoke with is considering relocating back to New York due to declining sales. If people continue to leave, the financial repercussions for our local economy could be severe, and this movement will only further erode the community’s foundation.
**Editor**: What are some of the options that Haitians are considering as they look to leave?
**Margery Koveleski**: Many are moving to cities like New Jersey or Boston, believing they’d be safer and less visible to law enforcement. A few families are even considering returning to Canada or Brazil, where they once sought refuge. This indicates just how desperate the situation has become.
**Editor**: How is the wider community responding to these developments? Are there any initiatives in place to help those in need?
**Margery Koveleski**: While organizations like the Haitian Community Alliance are stepping up to offer support and advice, the response has been mixed. There’s a community effort to provide information and resources, but ultimately, the fear of deportation is a real barrier that’s driving many to seek immediate relocation rather than integration. We’re trying to advocate for the community while navigating these complex challenges.
**Editor**: In light of everything happening, what message would you like to convey to both the Haitian community and the wider Springfield population?
**Margery Koveleski**: It’s crucial for those in the community to stay informed and connected to resources that can assist them during this turbulent time. For the broader Springfield population, I urge understanding and dialogue. Many of us are intertwined in the fabric of this city; supporting our Haitian neighbors is not just an act of kindness but essential for the health of our community as a whole.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Margery. Your work is vital during these challenging times, and we appreciate your dedication to the Haitian community in Springfield.
**Margery Koveleski**: Thank you for bringing attention to these important issues. It’s a tough time for many, but with awareness, we can foster hope and support for those in need.
