Springfield, Ohio — Driven by the overwhelming violence that engulfed her homeland of Haiti, Ketlie Moise embarked on a courageous journey to seek solace and pursue a slice of the American dream, ultimately finding a new home in Springfield, Ohio.
“I stay here,” Moise told CBS News, detailing her dedication to forging a better life. “I do two jobs to make my business. That’s why I don’t go back to Haiti,” she added, illustrating the sacrifices she makes daily to build her future.
After years of saving and hard work, Moise recently realized her dream by opening a restaurant, a testament to her resilience. She is among the thousands of Haitian migrants diligently constructing a new life in Springfield, Ohio, yet these individuals now find themselves facing daunting challenges with the upcoming Trump administration. Current estimates suggest that around 12,000 to 15,000 Haitians have settled in the Springfield region, as noted in city reports.
During President-elect Donald Trump’s debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, Springfield became a focal point when Trump propagated unfounded and debunked claims about the Haitian migrants living there, prompting local officials to assert there were no credible sources supporting such allegations.
Deportation emerged as a significant theme in Trump’s presidential campaign, with his statements generating widespread concern. On September 13, he declared to reporters, “We’re going to have the largest deportation in the history of our country, and we’re going to start with Springfield and Aurora,” spotlighting not only Springfield but also Aurora, Colorado.
In a recent announcement, Trump appointed Tom Homan, who took on the role of acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first term, as his “border czar,” tasked with overseeing the deportation initiative.
Moise, like the majority of her fellow Haitians in Springfield, possesses legal status through Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that Trump has pledged to eliminate. TPS is designed to grant deportation relief and work authorization to migrants from countries afflicted by war, natural disasters, or other significant crises.
Moise revealed that she personally knows about 10 friends and neighbors who have recently departed Springfield, in addition to several employees from her restaurant, highlighting the shared anxiety within the community.
Tragedy touched Moise’s life significantly when she learned that her mother was fatally shot at their family business back in Haiti, adding a heart-wrenching layer to her resolve. “I’m scared because my business in Haiti was bombed, I lost my mom,” Moise shared with CBS News. “Someone come in the business, they shoot my mom with a gun, bomb my business…If I get deportation to go back to Haiti, for me especially, I’m going to die, I’m going to be dead.”
Notably, Moise’s own daughter is among those who have left Springfield. She recounted the poignant moment when her daughter expressed her desire to leave, prompting Moise to contemplate joining her. “Yes, I keep thinking about that. I don’t know where I gonna go, but I keep thinking about that,” she confessed, revealing her inner turmoil.
Despite the precarity of her situation, Moise draws strength from her faith, which fuels her commitment to remaining in Springfield and successfully running her restaurant. “We’re hoping that everything works out the way it’s supposed to work out,” she stated with hopeful conviction. “God has a way of working everything out.”
What inspired Ketlie Moise to leave Haiti and migrate to Springfield, Ohio?
**Interview with Ketlie Moise: A Haitian Migrant’s Journey to Springfield, Ohio**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ketlie. Your story is truly inspiring. Can you start by sharing a little about what motivated you to leave Haiti and come to the United States?
**Ketlie Moise:** Thank you for having me. I left Haiti because of the overwhelming violence and instability in my homeland. It was a difficult decision, but I wanted to find a place where I could build a better future for myself and eventually for my family.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned working two jobs and recently opening your own restaurant. That’s a significant achievement! What challenges did you face along the way?
**Ketlie Moise:** Yes, it has been a journey full of challenges. Balancing two jobs while saving money to open a restaurant was no easy task. There were moments of doubt, but my determination to succeed kept me going. I wanted to show that we, as migrants, can contribute positively to our new community.
**Interviewer:** Springfield has seen a substantial number of Haitian migrants, estimated at 12,000 to 15,000. How has the local community responded to the growth in its Haitian population?
**Ketlie Moise:** The response has been mixed. Many local residents have been supportive, and I’ve met wonderful people who appreciate our culture and cuisine. However, there have also been challenges, especially with rhetoric from the political sphere. Comments made during the presidential campaign have sparked fear among many in our community regarding deportation.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of politics, the former President’s campaign included strong statements about deportation. How do you feel about the impact of these statements on the Haitian community in Springfield?
**Ketlie Moise:** Those statements were alarming for many of us. They created anxiety and uncertainty about our future here. We are just trying to live our lives and contribute to society. I believe in dialog and understanding; we want to build bridges, not walls.
**Interviewer:** It’s enlightening to hear your perspective. What message would you like to share with other immigrants and those who might be facing similar struggles?
**Ketlie Moise:** My message is simple: never give up. The journey can be tough, but resilience is key. We must continue to work hard and support one another. The American dream is possible; it just requires dedication and community support.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ketlie, for sharing your journey with us. Your story is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination within the immigrant community.
**Ketlie Moise:** Thank you for having me and for giving voice to our experiences.
