Orlando activist joins march urging permanent protection for Haitian immigrants

Activists began a march from Springfield to Columbus to urge Ohio politicians to support Haitian immigrants following the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) this summer, according to reports from wysu.org and wvxu.org.

The march is supported by Haitian community members including Rachel Hunter, a song leader from Orlando's Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice, who is representing the Haitian community in Orlando during the event.

Marchers are calling for Ohio state leaders to encourage the Department of Homeland Security to grant permanent protective status to all Haitian immigrants and to stop the use of GPS ankle monitors on them, as reported by both sources.

The group plans to walk 10-12 miles daily, escorted by local law enforcement, with medical and support vehicles accompanying them, aiming to arrive in Columbus on Saturday for a rally at the state capitol.

Organizers emphasize resilience and unity among Haitian immigrants, highlighting their desire to be recognized and protected within the United States, with participants sharing personal stories and calls for justice.

The march reflects broader efforts to address immigration policy and immigrant rights, connecting communities from different states including Florida and Ohio.