SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — Over 700 people filled St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Monday, where faith leaders led a rally in support of Haitian migrants in the U.S. who fear losing their Temporary Protection Status (TPS). As federal decisions loom, participants expressed solidarity through song and prayer, raising their voices against proposed terminations that could spell disaster for many.
Among those present was Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, who urged followers to trust in the legal system while standing firm against injustices. 'We have been called for such a time as this to protect those who have nowhere else to go,' Jozef noted, emphasizing the need for compassion in the face of fear.
The TPS for Haiti is scheduled to expire soon, creating anxiety within Springfield's prominent Haitian community, many of whom have sought refuge from violence and instability in their homeland. As news of possible immigration crackdowns circulates, the church rally represented a beacon of hope, underscoring the power of unity in times of crisis.
In Springfield, a locality with a vibrant Haitian population, fears have escalated following inflammatory remarks by political figures that have fueled anti-immigrant sentiment. Community leaders underlined the urgent need for TPS extensions, asserting that without it, many would be unable to work or support their families, leaving them in precarious situations.
As federal regulations evolve, Springfield's Haitian community continues its fight, armed with faith and the unyielding hope for justice and safety.
