TPS decision causing uncertainty for Haitian business owners
SPRINGFIELD — While the legal battle over ending protections for Haitians continues, uncertainty is growing at area businesses in Springfield.
For many Haitian-owned businesses, the recent Supreme Court ruling on immigration isn’t just another court ruling; it’s one that’s affecting whether they can keep the doors open.
“This is a bad situation for us, all of the community, 80% of the community, they already left, and it’s already affected us,” said business owner Paschhur Castelly.
For Castelly, Haitians leaving over deportation fears means less business coming into his Springfield market.
He said he even closed up shop in February out of concern that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, would force them out.
“I say I don’t know what’s going on, if something is gonna happen or people gonna come here, so it’s better to close, you know, so I close for one week,” said Castelly.
Temporary protected status, or TPS, ended up getting extended back in February. That allowed Haitians with TPS to continue to legally live and work in the U.S.
This time, the Supreme Court gave the Trump administration the green light to end TPS, but it hasn’t happened yet.
That’s why this time, Castelly said he’s staying open.
“It’s very safe for us, very safe. The job is very good for us to, they pay good money here, and the rent, you know, everything is very cheap for us,” said Castelly.
He said it’s much safer in Springfield compared to the conditions he came from in Haiti, where he said the country is overrun with violence and gangs.
“If they (gangs) think you got money, you have money like or you have a business, you’re a business owner, they’re going to try to kidnapping you and to ask you money or one of a member of your family,” said Castelly.
That’s why he said while the legal fight continues, Haitian-owned shops in Springfield and his own are staying open for now.
“If something is going to happen, it’s going to happen,” he said. “I’m just trying to survive.”