THE END OF TPS: How it will impact Springfield’s Haitian Community

Springfield is home to a growing Haitian community, and many local nonprofits serve individuals and families whose ability to live and work in the United States is directly tied to Temporary Protected Status (TPS). As TPS for Haiti approaches its scheduled end, community organizations may see significant impacts on the people they serve—ranging from employment instability and housing insecurity to increased need for food, health, and social services.

This session will provide nonprofits with a foundational understanding of what TPS is, why it was granted, and what the potential loss of TPS could mean for Haitian individuals and families in Springfield. While this training will not offer legal advice, risk-mitigation strategies, or guidance on immigration sponsorship, it will equip nonprofit leaders and frontline staff with critical context to better understand the challenges facing this community and to prepare for the increased service demands and humanitarian implications that may follow.

By attending, nonprofits can strengthen their cultural competence, improve program planning, and ensure their organizations are informed, compassionate partners as Springfield navigates the potential community-wide impacts of this important immigration change.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Kathleen (Katie) Kersh is a Managing Attorney of the Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights practice group Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) in Dayton, Ohio. Katie represents low-income immigrants and agricultural workers in immigration and civil rights matters before USCIS, EOIR, federal district courts, and federal courts of appeals. Katie primarily represents victims of crime in a variety of immigration matters before USCIS and in removal proceedings. She has litigated a variety of individual and class-action claims challenging discriminatory state and federal policies and procedures. Katie received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and her B.A. from Earlham College. She is a native of Dayton, Ohio and is fluent in Spanish.

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