A Community Leader Fights for Haitians in Ohio, While Worrying About His Own Fate

Viles Dorsainvil, co-founder of the Haitian Support Center in Springfield, Ohio, is tirelessly advocating for his fellow Haitian immigrants in the face of an uncertain future. As he works on his master's degrees in public administration and international relations, he finds himself consumed with the pressing issue of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians.

Recently, a federal court ruled that the Trump administration's plan to end TPS for over 330,000 Haitians had succeeded, paving the way for potential deportations.

Immigrants in the U.S. faced a stark ultimatum from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - either pay $2,600 to return to Haiti or be fitted with an ankle monitor, making their deportation easier for ICE agents. Some Haitians are considering fleeing to another country, while others feel resigned to returning to their homeland despite its ongoing struggles with crime, terrorism, and limited healthcare.

Dorsainvil, who has yet to receive a DHS letter himself, grapples with the fear and anxiety surrounding his situation, as well as that of his community. The Haitian Support Center, which he co-founded in 2023, has seen a surge in calls from worried Haitian immigrants. Two weeks ago, Dorsainvil briefly closed the center out of fear of a rumored ICE operation in Springfield. The community remains on edge, with many Haitian immigrants staying indoors and keeping their children home from school due to heightened anxiety.

This situation is not unique to Ohio, as other states like Florida have also implemented strict enforcement measures in alignment with the Trump administration's deportation agenda. In Florida, local officials are required to cooperate with ICE operations, leading to increased fear and paralysis among Haitian immigrants. An ICE spokesperson stated that TPS was always intended to be temporary, and now, its end has left many Haitian immigrants in a state of uncertainty and fear for their future.