Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, a state that voted for President Donald Trump, has drawn criticism after stating that Haitian migrants with Temporary Protected Status should not be forced to return to their homeland.
The state hosts roughly 30,000 Haitian TPS holders. DeWine said that Haiti is currently in crisis and that many of the migrants would not return voluntarily; if forced, they might seek refuge elsewhere.
Critics online questioned his stance, arguing that allowing the migrants to stay would benefit those who are already in the United States, while the conditions in Haiti remain dire.
DeWine argued that sending Haitian migrants back would be a mistake that could endanger their lives and that the community has helped the local economy in cities such as Springfield.
The Temporary Protected Status program was officially terminated after a Supreme Court ruling. It was originally designed for individuals facing serious emergencies, but critics say it has been used beyond its intended scope.
The governor's office declined to comment on the online backlash, and no federal response was received at the time.
