Thousands of Haitians in Ohio Face Losing Temporary Protected Status

Federal court decision expected on February 2 that could end work authorization and leave many vulnerable to deportation

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:31am

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Thousands of Haitians living in Ohio, including an estimated 12,000-15,000 in Springfield, are at risk of losing their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on February 3 unless a federal court intervenes. TPS allows people from countries facing conflict or natural disasters to live and work legally in the U.S. for a set period. Many Haitians fear returning to the ongoing gang violence and instability in their home country, but the Trump administration plans to end the program barring court action.

Why it matters

The potential loss of TPS for Haitians in Ohio would have significant economic and social impacts, as they are integral members of their local communities. There are also concerns that the end of TPS could lead to increased ICE activity and racial profiling in areas with large Haitian populations. Ohio's governor has praised the contributions of Haitian workers, but the mayor of Springfield has declined to comment on the issue.

The details

About 330,000 Haitians are living in the U.S. with TPS, which was initially granted after the 2010 earthquake and extended after the 2021 assassination of Haiti's president. Without TPS, Haitians could face arrest, detention, or deportation proceedings unless they have applied for other forms of immigration relief. Many Haitians in Ohio are fearful and unsure of their futures, with limited options to relocate safely.

  • The Trump administration set February 3, 2026 as the date to end TPS for Haitians.
  • U.S. District Court Judge Ana C. Reyes is expected to rule on whether to suspend the expiration of TPS for Haitians on February 2, 2026.

The players

Emily Brown

Director of the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law's Immigration Clinic.

Viles Dorsainvil

Executive director of the Haitian Support Center in Springfield, Ohio.

Lynn Tramonte

Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance.

Mike DeWine

Governor of Ohio, who has praised the contributions of Haitian workers in the state.

Rob Rue

Mayor of Springfield, Ohio, who declined to comment on the issue.

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What they’re saying

“The folks are fearful. They came here just to work and send their kids to school and be here peacefully. All of a sudden, they find themselves in another scenario where they're not accepted… They are panicked and the worst thing is that they can't even plan their lives for three months down the road.”

— Viles Dorsainvil, Executive director of the Haitian Support Center in Springfield

“There's a lot of concern that people may be put in detention while they're waiting for their asylum hearings, and be taken away from their kids, their work, and their homes.”

— Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance

“When do Haitians get to just stop running?”

— Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance

“My guess is that … ICE is going to be looking at areas of the country — including Springfield (and) parts of Columbus — where they know that large numbers of Haitians are here, and they're going to be engaging in racial profiling.”

— Emily Brown, Director of the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law's Immigration Clinic

“If it happens that those folks leave here, I think it will be felt economically (in Springfield).”

— Viles Dorsainvil, Executive director of the Haitian Support Center in Springfield

What’s next

U.S. District Court Judge Ana C. Reyes is expected to rule on February 2, 2026 whether to suspend the expiration of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.

The takeaway

The potential loss of Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitians living in Ohio, many of whom have established lives and livelihoods in the state, would have severe humanitarian and economic consequences. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities seeking refuge and stability in the United States.