Haitian Immigrants Contributed to Springfield’s Growth

By Howard Schneider

Springfield, Ohio – Rose Joseph and Banal Oreus took different routes from Haiti to this struggling Midwestern industrial city, which has unexpectedly become a focal point in the U.S. presidential race.

Joseph arrived in 2022 after fleeing Haiti for Florida two years prior due to escalating violence. She moved north after hearing about promising job opportunities. Oreus, after a lengthy journey through Brazil, Portugal, and Mexico over eight years, was drawn to Springfield in 2023 to join family and friends who had already settled there.

"The first motivation was job and work opportunities," said Joseph, who is currently working at an Amazon warehouse and also provides seasonal tax preparation services. Her comments came in an interview ahead of a recent presidential debate.

The influx of Joseph, Oreus, and as many as 15,000 other Haitian immigrants over the past three years has significantly impacted this city of 58,000, offering a glimpse of economic revival but also presenting challenges. Springfield has become entwined in a national dialogue about immigration, the economy, and race, particularly as Republican candidate Donald Trump and his running mate have circulated claims that local officials assert are false regarding crimes committed by Haitians.

After decades of population decline, data indicate a notable rebound in Springfield, with surges in Medicaid enrollment, federal food assistance, and welfare programs. Rents and vehicle accidents rose as well, including a tragic incident last year involving a Haitian immigrant without a U.S. driver’s license, resulting in the death of 11-year-old Aiden Clark and injuries to 26 other children.

With demand for housing increasing, the availability of affordable housing vouchers diminished as landlords shifted to market-based rates, which adversely affected existing residents relying on assistance.

Despite these changes, local interviews and police data indicate there has not been a general increase in violent or property crime. Instead, wages have risen alongside a growing number of job openings in an initially tight labor market.

In July, shortly before being chosen as Trump’s running mate, Vance drew attention to a letter from Springfield officials during a congressional hearing, questioning Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell about whether immigration contributed to inflation by driving up housing costs and whether the influx of new workers impacted wage levels.

Powell acknowledged that while such effects might be seen in some areas, the overall increase in labor supply had aided economic growth and slowed inflation in the long run.

Recently, Vance and other Republicans have amplified claims made by some residents during city commission meetings. In response, city commissioners have clarified that the vast majority of Haitians are legal residents with the right to reside in Springfield.

Springfield police have countered allegations with a firm statement, asserting that there have been no credible reports of pets being harmed by community members, nor verified cases of illegal activities such as squatting or littering.

Despite this, Trump reiterated these unverified claims during a debate, including the unfounded assertion that immigrants were harming pets. The Biden administration condemned the misinformation as divisive and rooted in racism.

A COMPLEX PICTURE

The recent experiences of Springfield provide a nuanced view of rapid population growth. While local rents surged rapidly at an annualized rate of 14.6% from May 2022 through late 2023, there are signs that the market is stabilizing, with more modest increases of 3.2% this year.

Wage growth in the area has been more pronounced than national trends, with salaries rising at over 6% annually for more than two years during the period of increased Haitian immigration. However, this growth has recently slowed to 1.1%, coinciding with a national cooling of the labor market.

The estimated number of Haitian immigrants is subject to debate; city officials initially suggested up to 20,000 based on correspondence to Powell but have since revised that estimate to 12,000 – 15,000 based on local identification data. This notable increase from approximately 3,500 residents in just a few years is significant, equivalent to the surge of 1.6 million new arrivals in New York City.

The rapid influx has led to tensions, including inflammatory comments at city commission meetings and a small protest by white supremacists during a recent local festival.

Despite the challenges, local leaders recognize the economic advantages offered by a larger population capable of filling job vacancies and supporting businesses. Springfield, long affected by industrial decline, sees potential for revitalization through its growing workforce.

Mayor Rob Rue noted, “A growing population could absolutely have a long-term benefit, but we are navigating through a rocky season.” This involves addressing local tensions while seeking funding for additional public services, including police, fire, and health workers, as well as translators for French and Creole speakers.

NEED FOR WORKFORCE

As of August, a Biden immigration parole program has allowed about 205,000 Haitians to enter the country. Many others are here under Temporary Protected Status due to conditions in Haiti.

Recent and long-term immigrants cite family ties, social networks, and the lure of better wages and living conditions as reasons for moving to Springfield. Joseph shared, “My friend and I heard about Ohio and Indiana, that there were a lot of work opportunities, and we made a plan and came.” She arrived with a tourist visa, has applied for asylum, and remains legally in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status, which Trump previously sought to revoke.

Oreus supports recent arrivals in navigating immigration processes while working full-time in local manufacturing and at a nonprofit organization.

Why Springfield? Oreus explained, “I had friends here … My brother lived here, and I moved here to join him."

Springfield’s housing issues predate the arrival of Haitians, as studies have shown years of underinvestment and insufficient code enforcement led to vacant and deteriorating homes. However, positive developments are emerging, such as new residential construction and the conversion of vacant commercial spaces into living units.

City officials, educators, and business leaders agree that with time, the current disruptions can be overcome, paving the way for future growth. "We needed a workforce," Amy Donahoe, director of workforce development with the Greater Springfield Partnership, emphasized. "They are coming in and they are working hard and they want to make money."