WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) led letters to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona seeking emergency funding for Springfield, Ohio. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian migrants have settled in Springfield in recent years. With a population of approximately 60,000 people, the influx of Haitian nationals migrating to Springfield has put a significant strain on the city’s resources, including housing, law enforcement, hospitals, and schools. Joining Congressman Turner on the letters were Congressmen Mike Carey (OH-15), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Warren Davidson (OH-08), and Robert Latta (OH-05).
"The Biden-Harris Administration has created an immigration crisis in Springfield, Ohio. In April of this year, Congressman Mike Turner, who represents Springfield, brought the City of Springfield Mayor, City Manager, and Public Safety Manager to deliver a clear message to federal agencies: it is the Biden-Harris Administration’s responsibility to provide assistance to the City of Springfield, its schools, healthcare centers, law enforcement, and social services agencies as they navigate this immigration crisis,” wrote the lawmakers.
Read the letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland here.
Read the letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra here.
Read the letter to Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona here.
Background:
In February 2024, Congressman Turner and Congressman Mike Carey sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas seeking answers about the Haitian Parole Program’s processes.
In April 2024, Congressman Turner hosted Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, City Manager Bryan Heck, and Deputy Director Public Safety & Operations Jason Via in Washington, D.C., and helped set up meetings with senior officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Labor to detail the impacts that federal policies and actions are having and request assistance for Springfield.
In June 2024, Congressman Turner urged the Biden Administration to address its Haitian Migrant Parole Program on the House Floor.
In August 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it was pausing its importation program, which brought 30,000 nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) to the United States each month. Congressman Turner called out the Biden-Harris Administration for wreaking havoc on Springfield.
Also in August 2024, Congressman Mike Turner met with officials from the City of Springfield, physicians from Rocking Horse Community Health Center, and other community leaders to discuss their efforts to create a safe public health environment for community members and the steps being taken to address concerns about the city’s growing Haitian immigrant population.