Margery Koveleski, a Springfield community advocate, has dedicated years to aiding local Haitians navigate administrative hurdles. However, since Donald Trump’s recent election victory, she’s seen a shift. “People are leaving,” she notes, with many seeking her help to book bus and plane tickets.
Fear of deportation under Trump’s threatened termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has prompted some Haitian residents to leave the city of 60,000. “The owner of one store is wondering if he should move back to New York or Chicago – he says his business is way down,” Koveleski shared.
TPS, established in 1990, allows immigrants fleeing crises to legally reside and work in the U.S. Over 300,000 Haitians currently benefit from this status, authorized until February 2026. However, Trump’s administration has sought to dismantle TPS, with legal experts like Katie Kersh arguing, “The strain any deportation effort would place on an already stretched immigration court system would be significant.”
The Haitian community’s fears are compounded by recent incidents, including allegations that a local sheriff encouraged police to detain Haitian immigrants. Jacob Payen, co-founder of the Haitian Community Alliance, described the exodus: “Several of my customers have left. One guy with his family went to New Jersey; others have gone to Boston. I know three families that have gone to Canada.”
Haitians have also contributed significantly to Springfield’s economy, filling jobs at packaging plants and revitalizing neighborhoods. Their potential departure could harm the local economy. “If these people leave, that money is gone from the city,” Payen stated.
Springfield has faced heightened racial tensions, including neo-Nazi marches and false bomb threats, following Trump’s false claims during a debate that immigrants in the city ate pets. Despite these challenges, community leaders remain resilient, with efforts underway to establish a facility offering English classes and other resources.
Amidst the uncertainty, some Haitians express disillusionment with both political parties. “They don’t have any faith in the Democratic party,” Koveleski remarked, as community members weigh their options in a climate of fear and distrust.
Link: The Guardian
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