COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced plans to address the influx of temporary Haitian migrants in the city of Springfield, which has drawn national attention. In a press conference on Tuesday, Governor DeWine expressed support for the Temporary Protected Status program that has seen approximately 15,000 Haitians arrive in the city since 2020. However, he emphasized the need for increased federal assistance to help impacted communities.

The recent surge of temporary Haitian migrants in Springfield has been attributed to the ongoing unrest and violence in their home country, leading many to seek safer living conditions in the United States. Recognizing the strain this has put on local resources, Governor DeWine has already taken steps to provide additional support to the city. These measures have included funding for education and driver training, increased access to vaccines and health screenings in schools, as well as enhanced translation services.

Governor DeWine acknowledged that the impact of these surges extends beyond the Haitian migrant community, affecting all residents of Springfield. "These dramatic surges impact every citizen of the community," he stated, highlighting concerns such as overcrowded classrooms and long wait times for healthcare services. Similar influxes have also been reported in other Ohio cities, including Findlay and Lima.

To address the issue, Governor DeWine announced that the Ohio State Highway Patrol will assist local law enforcement in managing traffic issues arising from the increased presence of Haitians who may be unfamiliar with US traffic laws. Furthermore, he pledged $2.5 million over two years to provide additional primary healthcare resources through the county health department and private healthcare institutions.

Governor DeWine's commitment to supporting the Haitian migrant community in Ohio comes from personal experience. His family operates a charity in Haiti, which was established in honor of their late daughter, Becky, who tragically passed away in a car accident. The Governor described the Haitians who have settled in Ohio as hard-working individuals who are motivated by a desire to protect and provide for their families, seeking refuge from the violence in their home country.

As the situation continues to evolve, Governor DeWine remains steadfast in his dedication to finding proactive solutions and ensuring that all residents of Ohio, regardless of their background, receive the support they need. He reiterated the importance of federal assistance in addressing the challenges posed by the influx of temporary Haitian migrants, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being of all communities involved.