Ketlie Moise, a Haitian immigrant, sought refuge in Springfield, Ohio, after escaping unimaginable violence in her homeland. Her aspiration was to find solace and pursue the American dream.
“I choose to stay here,” Moise explained to CBS News. “I work two jobs to sustain my business, which is why returning to Haiti is not an option for me.”
Moise had been diligently saving money for several years and finally achieved her dream of opening a restaurant. She is just one of the many Haitian migrants who have settled in Springfield and are now facing uncertainty due to the approaching Trump administration. City estimates suggest that around 12,000 to 15,000 Haitians currently call Springfield home.
During the September 10 debate between President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Springfield took center stage. Trump made false and debunked claims about the Haitian migrants residing in the city. However, local officials have emphasized that there is no credible evidence supporting these allegations.
During his presidential campaign, Trump heavily emphasized the issue of mass deportations.
In a statement made on September 13, Trump expressed his intention to carry out the biggest deportation in our nation’s history. He specifically mentioned Springfield and Aurora as the cities where the deportation efforts would begin. Trump has consistently sought to bring attention to Aurora, Colorado, alongside other locations.
Last week, President announced that he would appoint Tom Homan, who previously served as the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as his “border czar” to oversee the border management process.
Most of the Haitians in Springfield, including Moise, are legally residing here through Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This program grants deportation relief and work authorization to migrants from countries facing war, environmental disaster, or any other “extraordinary” crisis. However, President Trump has expressed his intention to terminate the TPS program.
According to Moise, she is aware of approximately ten of her friends and neighbors who have recently departed from Springfield, as well as a number of restaurant employees.
During her time in Springfield, she discovered the devastating news that her mother had been fatally shot at their family’s business in Haiti.
“I’m filled with fear because my business in Haiti was targeted and bombed, resulting in the tragic loss of my mom,” expressed Moise during an interview with CBS News. He further added, ”
An individual entered my business premises and mercilessly shot my mom before detonating a bomb that utterly destroyed my livelihood. If I were to be deported and forced to return to Haiti, it would be a death sentence for me. I have no doubt that my life would be in grave danger.”
Moise’s own daughter has also chosen to leave Springfield. When her daughter expressed her desire to leave, Moise herself contemplated the idea of joining her.
Moise expressed his persistent contemplation on the matter, admitting, “I can’t help but constantly wonder about my next destination. Although uncertain, it remains at the forefront of my thoughts.”
Moise’s determination to stay in Springfield and continue running her restaurant is fueled by her faith. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her business and her future, she remains motivated and committed.
“We have faith that everything will unfold as it should,” she expressed optimistically. “Divine intervention has a remarkable way of orchestrating the perfect outcome.”