Coldwater Haitians concerned after Trump administration drops immigration protection
COLDWATER — Members of the local Haitian community Sunday expressed concern after the Trump administration cut Temporary Protection Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the United States.
Coldwater Community Center President Kathy Bappert told the nearly 100-person crowd at their church services in the Eby Center, "I hear that a lot of people are in fear right now for their income, for their jobs."
Bappert scheduled a meeting with attorneys from the Immigrants' Rights Center later this week to answer questions and provide a list of those who might help.
The order signed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revokes in August the TPS intended to help people from Haiti who cannot return safely and immediately because of a natural disaster or an armed conflict.
Related story Haitian refugees lose protected status as Trump makes good on deportation promise
More than 500,000 Haitians in the United States are eligible for that status. The nearly 400 local Haitian community members are unsure of what will happen to them.
Public Safety Director Joe Scheid assured those present that ICE would not come to Coldwater to detain and deport individuals. "I talked to the U.S. attorneys that would oversee the immigration-type stuff last week. They confirmed with me that they are talking about criminals (as ones detained for immediate deportation)."
Vlad Jeudy, owner of Prestige Services, which helps the local Haitians, invited Scheid and Bappert to speak at the church service. He translated for those present.
More: Haitian native Vladimir Jeudy opens business to help migrant workers
Those present recognized the communication problems, with few able to translate Haitian Creole.
Clemens pork plant is the major employer of the local Haitian community.
Scheid questioned whether Clemens reached out to the employees to give direction or assistance to ensure immigration questions were answered. "I feel like a little bit goes back on their plate. They offered jobs. They brought people here, and I think they should be helping with the immigration status," he said.
Bappert said she reached out to Congressman Tim Walberg and Michigan's senators. She said the communities depend on these employees in their jobs. "We need people here in our community, so we need to have a collective voice with our representative and senators," she said.
Members of the congregation expressed concerns. Some asked about mental health services available because of the stress caused by current events. One person told of financial concerns after Clemens terminated him when his work permit was not renewed.
Scheid told those present his officers, "Are not going to randomly see people walking down the road, get out, and start asking for immigration documentation."
The police chief stated that those suspected of crimes would be treated like any other individual and could be held for questioning.
Scheid urged Haitian community members to cooperate with police officers if they were victims of a crime or a witness. "Don't be scared of my police officers," he said.
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Pastor Ramon, who did not give his last name, thanked Bappert and Scheid for attending the service to talk and listen.
Through the translator, he said, "We want to stay in the community, progress in the community, and grow with the community. So, thank you. We're waiting for support."
Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Haitians in Coldwater worried after Temporary Protected Status cut
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