Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced measures to support the city of Springfield in dealing with an influx of temporary Haitian migrants. The city, with a population of around 59,000, has seen about 15,000 Haitians arriving since 2020 under the Temporary Protected Status program. Governor DeWine expressed support for the program but emphasized the need for more federal assistance to help affected communities.
Ahead of the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, where immigration policy was expected to be a key issue, Governor DeWine highlighted the challenges faced by communities like Springfield due to the surge in Haitian migrants.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has also raised concerns about the situation, exploring legal options, including the possibility of filing a lawsuit, to address the federal government’s role in relocating migrants to Ohio.
The arrival of temporary Haitian migrants has been attributed to the ongoing unrest and violence in Haiti, prompting many to seek safety and better opportunities in the United States, specifically in cities like Springfield. Governor DeWine mentioned that Ohio has already provided resources for education, driver training, healthcare services, and translation assistance in response to the growing needs of the community.
To further support Springfield, Governor DeWine announced that the Ohio State Highway Patrol would assist local law enforcement in managing traffic issues arising from the increased number of Haitian migrants unfamiliar with U.S. traffic laws. Additionally, he allocated $2.5 million over two years to improve primary healthcare services through the county health department and private healthcare providers.
Governor DeWine, whose family runs a charity in Haiti in memory of their late daughter Becky, emphasized that the Haitian migrants in Ohio are hardworking individuals seeking safety and opportunities for their families. He acknowledged the impact of the migrant influx on various aspects of community life and expressed a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by both the migrants and the residents of Springfield and other affected areas in Ohio.
