The Amos Project Springfield Condemns the Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian Immigrants

June 25, 2026

The Amos Project Springfield stands in clear and unwavering opposition to the Supreme Court's decision allowing the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. This decision is a direct assault on the safety, dignity, and humanity of our neighbors. It places thousands of Haitian families—people who live, work, worship, raise children, and contribute every day to the flourishing of Springfield—in unnecessary fear and uncertainty. We reject any policy or court decision that treats Black and Brown immigrant communities as expendable or places their lives and futures at risk.

Our response is rooted in our faith. Scripture consistently calls God's people to welcome the stranger, protect the vulnerable, and love our neighbors. Jesus teaches:

"I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
— Matthew 25:35, 40

For us, these words are not symbolic—they are a mandate. Standing with our Haitian neighbors is an act of Christian discipleship. It is what covenantal love demands when public policies place vulnerable communities in harm's way. Faithfulness requires more than prayer alone; it requires public witness, meaningful accompaniment, material support, and collective action.

We also recognize that Christian nationalism has helped shape the political imagination that makes decisions like this possible. We reject every attempt to use Christianity to justify exclusion, fear, racial hierarchy, or the denial of human dignity. Our Christian ethical framework does not seek privilege or dominance for Christians. Instead, it calls us to defend the inherent dignity and equal rights of every person—regardless of race, nationality, immigration status, religion, or lack of religious affiliation.

Haitian immigrants followed the law. Temporary Protected Status is a lawful humanitarian protection established by Congress and administered through federal law. Yet once again, legal systems are being reshaped in ways that disproportionately burden Black and Brown communities. We refuse to accept this as either normal or inevitable.

Our solidarity with Springfield's Haitian community did not begin with this ruling, nor will it end here. Haiti's history is one of extraordinary courage and resistance. As the first Black republic to overthrow slavery through a successful revolution, Haiti became a beacon of freedom throughout the Americas, offering hope and inspiration to enslaved people seeking liberation. Today, as Haitian families once again confront uncertainty and injustice, we stand beside them out of our shared history, our shared struggle for justice, and our shared hope for a more compassionate future.

We call upon Springfield's elected officials, faith communities, civic leaders, and residents to join us in advocating for policies that are just, compassionate, and life-affirming for everyone who calls this city home. We remain committed to working alongside G92, Springfield Neighbors United, and the Haitian Community Help and Support Center to provide accompaniment, legal support, advocacy, and public witness.

Our faith teaches us that every person is created in the image of God. We will continue to organize, advocate, and act until our laws and public policies reflect that sacred truth.

In faith and solidarity,

The Amos Project Springfield Core Team