Haitian TPS Supporters in Springfield File Brief for Supreme Court to Consider

Advocates argue ending Temporary Protected Status would harm local community and businesses

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:39am

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Advocates for Haitian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in Springfield, Ohio have filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the court to consider the local impact of ending TPS protections. The brief was filed by Advocates for Basic Legal Equity (ABLE) on behalf of the Springfield Neighbors United group, arguing that ending TPS would result in lost tax revenue, workforce shortages, and setbacks to local businesses and infrastructure projects that the Springfield community relies on.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in April about whether to end TPS protections for Haitian immigrants. If TPS is terminated, those currently living in the U.S. under that status could face immediate detention or deportation, which advocates argue would have significant negative consequences for the local Springfield community.

The details

ABLE Attorney Renee Murphy said the brief is meant to provide the Supreme Court with context on the local-level impacts of ending TPS. The lead attorney representing Haitian TPS holders in the original lawsuit, Geoff Pipoly, said the government is arguing the courts should have no role in TPS decisions, but his firm is pushing for the court to consider the specific evidence and facts around Haiti's conditions. Many advocates say Haiti is still unsafe for deportees due to ongoing instability and the highest U.S. travel warning level.

  • The Supreme Court will hear arguments about Haitian TPS in April 2026.
  • A U.S. District Judge and U.S. Court of Appeals recently ruled to not allow Haitian TPS to expire while a lawsuit plays out.

The players

Advocates for Basic Legal Equity (ABLE)

A legal advocacy organization that filed an amicus curiae brief with the Supreme Court on behalf of the Springfield Neighbors United group.

Springfield Neighbors United

An all-volunteer group in Springfield, Ohio that advocates based on 'love thy neighbor' values through education and assistance.

Geoff Pipoly

The lead attorney representing Haitian TPS holders in the original lawsuit, Miot v. Trump.

Biassu Pierre

A Haitian community member in Springfield who is part of ABLE.

Viles Dorsainvil

The executive director of the Haitian Support Center in Springfield.

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What they’re saying

“We open our hearts. We open our doors, and we stand alongside those who are seeking justice, dignity and compassion.”

— Brandon Peterson, Associate Pastor at Greater Grace Temple in Springfield

“Ending TPS would not just affect Haitians. It will mean lost tax revenues, workforce shortages, and setbacks to local businesses and infrastructure projects that Springfield residents rely on.”

— Renee Murphy, ABLE Attorney

“The government's position, broadly speaking, is the courts have no role to play, courts cannot weigh in at all.”

— Geoff Pipoly, Lead Attorney Representing Haitian TPS Holders

“Haitian family deserve safety. Haitian worker deserve dignity, and Haitian children deserve a future without fear.”

— Biassu Pierre, Haitian Community Member and ABLE Participant

“We ask for compassion, fairness, recognition of the very real humanitarian crisis that continues in Haiti.”

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

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on the Haitian TPS case in the coming months after hearing arguments in April 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and humanitarian issues surrounding Temporary Protected Status, as well as the significant local impacts that ending TPS could have on communities like Springfield that rely on Haitian immigrants for their workforce and economy.