Dayton Reporter

Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) has led a group of Ohio lawmakers in requesting federal assistance for Springfield, Ohio, following an influx of Haitian migrants. Letters were sent 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.

The city of Springfield, with a population of around 60,000 people, has seen an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian migrants settle in recent years. This increase has strained local resources including housing, law enforcement, hospitals, and schools. Congressmen Mike Carey (OH-15), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Warren Davidson (OH-08), and Robert Latta (OH-05) joined Turner in the request.

"The Biden-Harris Administration has created an immigration crisis in Springfield, Ohio," wrote the lawmakers. "In April of this year, Congressman Mike Turner... 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."

Earlier this year in February 2024, Turner and Carey sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the Haitian Parole Program’s processes. In April 2024, Turner hosted Springfield officials in Washington D.C., facilitating meetings with senior officials from Homeland Security and Labor departments.

In June 2024, Turner urged the Biden Administration on the House Floor to address its Haitian Migrant Parole Program. The administration announced a pause on its importation program in August 2024 which had brought nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela each month. Turner criticized this move as causing problems for Springfield.

Also in August 2024, Turner met with officials from Springfield and community leaders including physicians from Rocking Horse Community Health Center to discuss public health efforts amid the growing Haitian immigrant population.