Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Monday that his office is investigating potential legal actions to limit the federal government’s relocation of immigrants to Ohio, particularly Springfield. The city, which has received between 15,000 and 20,000 Haitian immigrants, has seen a population surge that some locals say is overwhelming the community’s resources.
Yost’s investigation comes in response to complaints from Springfield residents about crime, including car accidents and theft, allegedly linked to the new arrivals. The attorney general stated that while many immigrants hold Temporary Protected Status, their rapid arrival has led to significant disruption. “There’s got to be a limiting principle,” Yost said, promising to seek federal court intervention.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted weighed in on the issue, pointing to increased health care costs and a rise in diseases like tuberculosis. He blamed the Biden administration’s immigration policies for the situation, calling it a choice made by the current leadership.
Gov. Mike DeWine echoed these concerns but clarified that he does not oppose the Temporary Protected Status program itself. He criticized the federal government for failing to provide support for communities like Springfield that are grappling with the rapid influx of immigrants. DeWine has committed $2.5 million to help local health services manage the increased demand.
Yost emphasized that the issue is not with immigration in general, but with the overwhelming number of migrants arriving in a short period of time. He reiterated his intention to take legal action to protect Ohio communities from further strain.
