Free Republic

As Jacob Payen, a co-founder of the Haitian Community Alliance who runs a business that includes helping Haitians in Springfield to file tax returns, said: “People are fully aware of the election result, and that is why they are leaving; they are afraid of a mass deportation. “Several of my customers have left. One guy with his family went to New Jersey; others have gone to Boston. I know three families that have gone to Canada.” Some are thought to have moved to nearby cities such as Dayton, where they believe they would be less visible to law enforcement. Others...

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) — Wednesday evening in Springfield, community members gathered in peaceful protest of the false claims about Haitians. On Park Road in Springfield, there was a parade of residents showing that hate has no home in the city. Signs displayed messages to the Haitian community that they have support. “Especially us as Haitians… we need unity here. We need a Springfield united. So this sends out a big message. For those who have been spreading false information, now they can see we are not bad people,” said Jacob Payen, Haitian Community Alliance spokesperson. That support is reaching the...