Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Sunday called on the Trump administration to reconsider its decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Haitians. DeWine, a Republican, argued that Haiti remains too dangerous for return and that the United States benefits from the labor of Haitian immigrants.
DeWine's appeal comes after the Supreme Court ruled that the administration's decision to end TPS for Haitians, who have held the status since 2010 following a devastating earthquake, is not subject to judicial review. This ruling paves the way for mass deportations.
"You cannot fly into Port-au-Prince today," DeWine said, referencing the Haitian capital's widespread gang violence. "These gang leaders who control a good part of Haiti today, shoot at the planes when they come in. It's a very, very dangerous place."
He noted that gang violence continues to endanger civilians, with several schoolchildren recently killed in crossfire. "Gangs control a significant part of Haiti," DeWine stated.
TPS allows eligible migrants from designated countries deemed unsafe to live and work legally in the U.S. As of March of last year, over 1.3 million people from 17 countries were protected under TPS. In Ohio alone, more than 10,000 Haitians hold this status, many residing in the Springfield area.
Despite accepting the Supreme Court's legal decision, DeWine emphasized the distinction between law and public policy. "I think that it's important that we separate the legal decision that was made by the Supreme Court with the issue of public policy," he said. "I would hope the Trump administration would reconsider."
DeWine also highlighted the economic impact of Haitian workers, stating, "These are jobs that are being filled by Haitians who are filling jobs that would not be filled any other way."
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin acknowledged that the administration plans to offer financial assistance to Haitians departing the U.S. under TPS. Mullin stated that individuals with TPS have always had the option to apply for visas or lawful permanent residency. "These individuals have a couple of choices," Mullin told CNN's "State of the Union." "They can try to apply for a permanent residence here. They can apply for a temporary visa if they choose to, or they can choose to go back. And if they want to go back, we will help them with that."
Mullin downplayed the State Department's Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti, which warns against travel due to violent crime and gang activity. He argued the advisory is for American citizens traveling to Haiti, not for Haitians returning to their home country. "That advisory is to American citizens traveling to Haiti, not Haitians going back home," Mullin said.