Approximately 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who hold Temporary Protected Status are facing deportation after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 25, 2026, that the Trump administration could proceed with ending the federal program. Work permits for these individuals were scheduled to end July 24. The TPS program has allowed individuals to remain in the United States when their home countries are deemed unsafe by the government. Haitians initially received TPS following in 2010 after an earthquake, with the status renewed multiple times due to humanitarian concerns and security conditions in Haiti.
In Springfield, Ohio, home to an estimated 12,000 Haitian residents, communities have faced particular challenges since 2024, when false claims about the immigrant population circulated during the presidential campaign. The city experienced over 30 bomb threats and residents endured harassment. Despite these circumstances, faith-based organizations and community groups have mobilized to support the Haitian population. Catholic bishops in Ohio issued statements expressing solidarity with Haitian neighbors, while residents organized prayer vigils, rallies, and donation drives.
Organizations supporting immigrants have expanded their understanding of “sanctuary” beyond the historical 1980s sanctuary movement, which focused on providing physical refuge to asylum-seekers from Central America. Contemporary “sanctuary people” embrace a broader approach rooted in what Catholic social teaching describes as accompaniment—the practice of closeness to those experiencing suffering. This concept emphasizes presence, material assistance, and community connection rather than solely offering physical shelter.
Faith-based and secular advocates in Ohio have applied this expanded sanctuary concept across multiple immigrant communities. Following Hurricane María in September 2017, organizations assisted over 200 Puerto Rican families with housing, employment, language instruction, and school enrollment. After an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at a northern Ohio business in June 2018, community members created grassroots organizations to support affected families. In recent weeks, volunteers have collected food, toiletries, and funds while encouraging community members to patronize immigrant-owned businesses and learn about immigration policy and Haiti.
Advocates engaged in this work believe that demonstrating presence and solidarity—through shared meals, shopping assistance, and everyday interactions—communicates to vulnerable populations that they are not isolated during periods of uncertainty.
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