Springfield restaurant to close amid TPS concerns

Owner of Keket Bongou fears for her future as Temporary Protected Status deadline approaches

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:47pm

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A local restaurant serving authentic Caribbean cuisine in Springfield, Ohio is planning to close its doors as the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) deadline looms. The owner, Ketlie Moisey, who lives in Springfield under asylum, is nervous about what will happen when the TPS deadline passes in just a few days. Moisey had plans to open another restaurant, but now believes that dream is coming to an end.

Why it matters

The impending expiration of TPS is causing anxiety and uncertainty for immigrants in the Springfield community, with some residents expressing mixed feelings about Haitian migrants potentially having to leave the area. The closure of Keket Bongou highlights the real-world impacts these policy changes can have on local businesses and livelihoods.

The details

Keket Bongou has been open since 2024, but with the TPS deadline just days away, owner Ketlie Moisey says she's nervous about what comes next. Moisey, who lives in Springfield under asylum, has already seen people leaving town. 'If you have asylum, TPS, everybody is scared,' said Moisey. While those under asylum have the right to stay and see through their case, Moisey believes her dream of opening another restaurant is now coming to an end. 'I tried to open for years, pay water, electric, gas,' said Moisey. 'Don't open. This cannot be easy; it is not easy.'

  • Keket Bongou has been open since 2024.
  • The TPS deadline is just days away, on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ketlie Moisey

The owner of Keket Bongou, a local restaurant serving authentic Caribbean cuisine in Springfield, Ohio. Moisey lives in Springfield under asylum and is fearful about what will happen when the TPS deadline passes.

Katie Kersh

A managing attorney with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, who says those living under asylum do not meet the same requirements as those under TPS and have the right to stay and see through their asylum case.

Bernie Moreno

A Senator who is encouraging anyone in Ohio who is not here legally by midnight on Feb. 4 to 'do the right thing' and self-deport, as TPS was meant to be temporary.

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What they’re saying

“'If you have asylum, TPS, everybody is scared,'”

— Ketlie Moisey, Owner, Keket Bongou

“'They have the right to stay, to see through their asylum case. But they're being talked out of asserting that right.'”

— Katie Kersh, Managing Attorney, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality

“'It stands for Temporary Protected Status. That temporary was not so temporary because it's been years. So, if you're under that status, you should self-deport.'”

— Bernie Moreno, Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ketlie Moisey to remain in the country under her asylum status, despite the looming TPS deadline.

The takeaway

The impending expiration of Temporary Protected Status is causing significant anxiety and uncertainty for immigrant communities in Springfield, Ohio, with real impacts on local businesses like Keket Bongou. This highlights the human toll of these policy changes and the need for compassionate, long-term solutions that address the complex realities facing those seeking refuge.