The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for the federal government to strip Haitian and Syrian immigrants of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Policy Matters Executive Director Hannah Halbert issued the following statement:
“The direct human impact of the Supreme Court’s decision will be devastating for the individuals and families now facing separation and deportation. The decision will also have significant economic consequences for Ohio communities.
“In places like Springfield, Haitian immigrants are part of the workforce, operating businesses, providing care, and contributing to local economies. However, Policy Matters research suggests that ongoing federal threats to TPS may have contributed to a slowdown in the local economy.
“More recent data bolsters that claim: Springfield has shed 1.2% of its jobs over the last 12 months. Manufacturing has dropped 4.7% over that time. A similar decline in employment (-0.7%, or 400 people) and the labor force (-2.0%, 1,500 people) make clear that pushing Haitian people out of the labor force is exactly the wrong move for the state economy.
“Ohio’s economy depends on the people who live and work here. Federal and state policymakers should be strengthening our economy; the Supreme Court’s decision will further destabilize it.”