Haitian Residents of Ohio Town Get Reprieve on Protected Status, but Tensions Linger

Their status was set to expire Feb. 3, but a judge intervened. Springfield residents are divided on whether the Haitians should stay.

A mural in downtown in Springfield, Ohio, on Sept. 16, 2024. Luke Sharrett/Getty Images

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio—Temporary Protection Status was set to end for certain Haitian immigrants in the United States on Feb. 3 until U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes granted a last-minute reprieve the evening of Feb. 2.

According to the judge’s ruling, termination of TPS is “null, void and of no legal effect.” Work authorization will continue for Haitian immigrants, who will also be protected from detention and deportation for the duration of the judicial stay.