SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The First Haitian Evangelical Church in Springfield, Ohio, serves as a sanctuary for its congregation as they grapple with the looming threat of deportation. The Haitian migrants in this community find solace in faith while navigating the uncertainties brought on by President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Rev. Reginald Silencieux, the pastor of the church, leads his flock with a heartfelt prayer, seeking protection for his people and guidance on how to handle potential encounters with federal agents.
Many Haitians in Springfield are living in fear as rumors swirl about the possible end of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which allows them to legally reside in the United States. Viles Dorsainvil, the leader of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, expresses the community’s panic and uncertainty, emphasizing that the majority of immigrants are hard-working individuals who contribute positively to society.
The atmosphere of fear and division in Springfield was exacerbated by false accusations made by President Trump last year, stirring up anti-immigrant sentiment within the predominantly white, blue-collar city. Jacob Payen, a Haitian community leader, reflects on the shift in fear from retaliation to deportation, noting the impact on local businesses and families.
Brutus Joseph, a Haitian immigrant, shares his concerns about the future for his family and the anxiety that plagues his daily life. He seeks spiritual relief at a religious shop owned by Jacob Payen, where he also receives assistance with immigration paperwork and applications for TPS. The uncertainty facing Haitian migrants in Springfield is a shared experience with many faith communities nationwide, prompting discussions on how to support and protect vulnerable populations.
The overarching fear of deportation looms large over the Haitian community in Springfield, with concerns about the violent conditions in Haiti preventing a safe return. As the TPS program faces an expiration date in February 2026, Haitian migrants like Romane Pierre hope for compassion and understanding from the Trump administration in recognizing the ongoing crisis in their home country. The president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, Leslie Voltaire, warns of catastrophic consequences for Haiti if aid programs are frozen and migrants are deported.
In the face of uncertainty and fear, the Haitian migrants in Springfield find refuge in their faith, seeking comfort and guidance in their churches and community spaces. As they navigate the challenges of immigration policies and political decisions, their resilience and unity shine through, serving as a testament to the strength of their community in the face of adversity.