Two local pastors in Springfield, Ohio, spoke to Fox News Digital about the challenges facing their town after a surge in Haitian refugees. They highlighted the rapid population increase and cultural differences as contributing factors to tensions and distrust between long-time residents and newcomers.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Two local pastors spoke to Fox News Digital about the ministry challenges facing their town that has been thrust into the national spotlight after viral videos of residents complaining of disturbing behavior from Haitian refugees who have settled in the area.
think most people here in Springfield are good people, I think most people here are very kind and hospitable people. And I do think that the massive influx in such a short time has created real stress, real friction, and ultimately, I think that’s the source of all of the difficulty,' Newman said. That friction has increasingly bubbled up among longtime residents, who have attended city council meetings to attempt to voice their concerns about the influx.
That traumatized this community,' Newman said of the fatal crash. 'We mobilized pretty quickly in my role as a minister, and we had to work really hard to do some counseling and to intervene. And I think what that did was that shown a bright flashing star, like ‘wait a second, what’s going on here.’' However, as some residents mobilized to push back against the influx, others began mounting an effort to defend the Haitian refugees.
Meanwhile, Newman argued that those who have been members of the community for a long time should be able to be part of the conversation, though they are typically dismissed for voicing any concerns. 'I think there’s a larger narrative… that says the only compassionate response in a situation like this is you accept all of these immigrants and shut up. Any sense of raising our hand and saying ‘wait a second, we weren’t considered, we’re suffering her too.
Haitian Refugees Immigration Springfield Ohio Cultural Clash Community Tensions
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