Springfield

Haitians in the Heartland presents the stories of Ohioans in Springfield in their own voices.

The city of Springfield is home to thousands of legal Haitian immigrants. The mayor stated that the lawsuit "sends a clear message that hate, intimidation, and violence, have no place in our community.”

Some of Springfield's estimated 15,000 Haitians are seeking solace and divine intervention in their churches or at shops that sell spiritual products. Community leaders say many are overwhelmed by fears Donald Trump will end or let expire the Temporary Protected Status program that allows them to remain in the U.S. legally.

Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled the simulator at High Street Church of the Nazarene in Springfield. Eleven others are spread across the city aspart of a larger effort to help Haitian newcomers learn U.S. driving laws.

Former President Donald Trump has pledged to revoke the short-term protective status of Haitian immigrants in Ohio and see to their deportations during a second term.

The criminal charges were filed in Springfield by a Haitian organization last month, accusing Trump and Vance of disrupting public services and making false alarms.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is continuing to walk a fine line on questions about former president Trump’s comments and legal immigrants in Springfield.

A strange moment in American politics paid a visit to the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, brought there by a top Haitian official.

Springfield schools have hired staff to teach Haitian students and other English language learners, but there is no evidence that each student "will have a private interpreter." There is also no evidence that non-Haitian students have been displaced.

The commission would help ensure that immigrant and refugee voices are heard and will try to improve their ability to integrate, thrive and contribute to Columbus.