Latest news with #HaitianResourceCenter
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What's next for Springfield? Challenges remain, but so does optimism for future
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — After being thrust into the national spotlight during the 2024 presidential debate, the City of Springfield has continued its efforts to address concerns exacerbated by the influx of nearly 20,000 Haitian migrants. What's next for the city? That question echoes throughout the streets and homes of Springfield. The city says they're looking at ways to continue move forward, together. City manager Bryan Heck is at the forefront, coming up with solutions for the city, alongside the mayor and city commission. 'We want to be able to create an environment where people feel empowered and that they can thrive,' he said. Heck said it's been an uphill journey getting to this point, battling the rapid population growth and political spotlight. He believes one of the most important steps is through investment and job opportunities. 'Any community, when you grow your population by 15,000 people, you're going to put strain on some of those systems,' he said. Previous coverage of Springfield's time in the national spotlight As of right now, the city has no plans to add any additional tax levies to the ballot to increase revenue for the growing population. The city said it continues to use existing tax dollars to create a better city for all. They said they're not specifically diverting funds to migrants. City leaders and residents agreed that the strain put on the region's systems – including public health and hospitals, education and law enforcement – has led to tension in the community. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wants to help Springfield solve those issues. 'We as a state, we welcome people who want to work,' said DeWine. 'We welcome people who want to raise a family, be a part of a community.' It's a message for longtime residents of Springfield as well as the city's Haitian community, some of whom report being the victims of intimidation from hate groups. 'Springfield is beautiful and Springfield is a welcoming community, per se,' said Viles Dorsainvil with the Haitian Resource Center. 'But, you know, it comes with all those challenges. 'In a perfect world, Springfield would have been home for not only the residents, but the strangers as well.' The city has seen an increase in population, but also an increase in resilience. Local leaders are working to cut through the turmoil of recent months, while acknowledging the past. Their biggest message: they're excited for what's yet to come. 'It's understanding we have a rich history, we have a deep history, and we need to be able to appreciate the past,' said Heck, 'but we need to embrace the future of what we're doing in our community.' Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, Springfield City Schools Supt. Dr. Robert Hill and Springfield Police Division Chief Allison Elliott declined requests for interviews for this series. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Many migrants in Springfield anxious about potential changes to legal status
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Over 10 years ago the City of Springfield passed a resolution to welcome migrants from Haiti. It was as much a practical move as a humanitarian one as the city needed an influx of people to work after years of struggles to fill jobs. 'Springfield was on a decline for quite some time and population number of things,' said city manager Bryan Heck. 'We are on the rise, we've been on the rise.' The city's resurgence happened with the help of thousands of migrants from Haiti, one of 15 countries that qualify for federal 'Temporary Protected Status'. TPS allows migrants to come to the U.S. to fill jobs while also seeking refuge. 'The Haitians that came in were hired because they were needed,' said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. 'They need to fill jobs and they're very reliable. They show up for work.' When Haitians arrive in Springfield from troubled conditions, they are connected to the Haitian Resource Center. The center provides vital resources such as translation services, food assistance, housing and driving class information, and, in some cases, safety from harassment. Viles Dorsainvil, operator of the Haitian Resource Center, said 'hateful' people bothering the Haitians in the name of an anti-illegal immigration push have it wrong. 'They are here legally,' said Dorsainil. Springfield Police did not reply to a request for comment about the alleged incidents of harassment. Previous coverage of Springfield's time in the national spotlight Dorsainil said he received threatening messages to his email inbox, accusing him of being responsible for the influx and telling him and the migrants to go back to Haiti. Many members of the community are working together to stay informed and safe. They're also searching for answers to questions about legal status and possible deportation. The Migration Policy Institute said there are scenarios where the laws could change, where people who legally came to the U.S. could be deported. With more than 11,000 arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since the beginning of 2025, some in the community are concerned. 'For deportation or something like this, it's a very uncertain time for them,' said Dorsainil. Dorsainil said it's important to remind everyone, the Haitian migrants in Springfield are here legally. 'They have a status and they are not criminals,' he said. Springfield residents show support of Haitian community during council meeting As they move forward and away from the spotlight, the migrants are hoping to simply live there peacefully.'The Haitians here and the immigrants I know here, I know they are peaceful people coming just to help the community moving forward,' Dorsainil said. Coming Wednesday: 2 NEWS will look at how Springfield is spending the money it has received to help with the Haitian migrant surge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
