Many in our community, as well as surrounding communities, have a long-standing bond with our Haitian neighbors, individuals who have become integral to the fabric of our neighborhoods and towns. Following the devastating earthquake in 2010 and subsequent hardships, several Haitians were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by the United States government, allowing them to reside and work here while their homeland recovered. However, the recent removal of this status has left many in a state of distress and uncertainty. What's even more distressing is the use of GPS ankle monitors and bracelet shackles, which is not only unnecessary but serves as an inhumane method of control for those who have diligently complied with all governmental procedures.

Ohio's diverse and compassionate communities have always supported those in need, and now we must rally to support our Haitian friends once again. Senate Bill S.4814, currently under consideration, seeks to extend TPS for Haitians. We are also urging our Ohio Senators to eliminate the use of ankle and bracelet shackles for those under immigration proceedings and remove those currently many Haitians in our community. This bill is crucial in addressing both human rights concerns and the logistical challenges faced by Haitian families who have made Ohio their home.

An extension of TPS is not only a matter of compassion but also of justice and human dignity. Statistics from the Migration Policy Institute note that hundreds of thousands of TPS beneficiaries have contributed significantly to the U.S. economy, with many being employed in essential services. Furthermore, a report by the American Immigration Council highlights that Haitian TPS holders have established strong community ties, consolidating their roles as responsible and contributing members of American society.

Additionally, the punitive use of shackles, as outlined by the Human Rights Watch, is counterproductive and dehumanizing, especially given reports that it is applied indiscriminately to individuals who have posed no flight risk. Instead, humane and effective alternatives, including routine check-ins and employment verifications, can provide satisfactory compliance without the stigma and humiliation of physical restraints.

We, therefore, call on Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno to champion this cause and support S.4814, a human rights imperative for Haitians. By taking a stand, Ohio will continue its tradition of leadership in humanitarian policies, echoing our shared values of liberty, fairness, and empathy.

Please join us in urging our Ohio senators to pass S.4814. Stand with our Haitian community—an extension of TPS and the removal of shackles are steps we must take to preserve the dignity and integrity of individuals who are already contributing so much to the soul of our state. Sign this petition today and make your voice heard for a more just and humane immigration policy.