Currently, many Haitian immigrants are maintaining employment and ensuring their children receive an education while accessing necessary healthcare and services. Despite uncertainty about their future, they have established roots within their communities. With limited alternatives, they remain in Springfield and Clark County, Ohio, where estimates suggest a population of 12,000 to 15,000 Haitian immigrants reside.
A recent examination of data reveals significant changes in public assistance participation among Haitian-speaking residents of Clark County. Since last summer, the number of these residents receiving public assistance has notably declined. Medicaid enrollment has decreased by over one-third, food stamp usage has dropped by 63 percent, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) usage has reduced by more than half from July 2024 to March 2025. The county health district acknowledges a drop in service demand but still estimates a Haitian population exceeding 10,000.
Springfield City Schools report that overall enrollment remains steady at approximately 7,400 students this school year. The district has 1,258 students identified as English language learners, reflecting a slight decrease from February but an increase from October 2024. Meanwhile, Rocking Horse, Springfield’s federally-qualified health center, has observed a stabilization in Haitian Creole-speaking patient visits following a brief decline earlier this year.
The uncertainty looming over this community stems largely from their precarious immigration status. Many hold work permits under programs that President Donald Trump has attempted to terminate. While some efforts face delays due to legal challenges, these immigrants potentially face the loss of their legal status. The future remains uncertain as the Trump administration advocates for their return to Haiti. However, the country continues to suffer from severe poverty, political instability, and a series of natural disasters, including the 2021 assassination of its president. In 2023, the U.S. ordered a withdrawal of non-essential personnel from Haiti, and in March 2024, the country declared a state of emergency as gangs assumed control over much of the territory. Persistent unrest has led to the closure of major airports and ongoing travel advisories due to security concerns.
Despite these challenges, thousands of Haitians continue to reside in Springfield. Clark County Job and Family Services has observed a steady decline in Haitian Creole-speaking residents applying for public assistance since the peak in July 2024. This decline is evident across various assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
Specifically, the SNAP caseload for Haitian Creole-speaking applicants has decreased by 63 percent, while the Medicaid caseload saw a 33 percent reduction from last year. Additionally, the Refugee Cash Assistance program, which primarily serves immigrants without children, has also experienced a significant drop in applicants.
In response to these shifts, the Clark County Combined Health District has noted a decrease in demand for services such as immunizations and refugee health screenings. While this does not necessarily indicate a population decrease, it suggests that some residents are either planning to leave or are obtaining care elsewhere. The community health center, Rocking Horse, continues to serve as a vital care provider, with efforts to encourage patient engagement and ensure access to essential healthcare services.
Educational initiatives, including the Aspire program through Clark State College, have adapted to meet the needs of Haitian learners. After initial apprehension about attending in-person classes, many students have returned to traditional learning formats. The program continues to facilitate English language acquisition, benefiting a large portion of the Haitian community within the education system.