Haitian Immigration Statement

“Springfield is moving forward, and our progress is visible. Since 2012, we’ve created nearly 8,000 new jobs, retained another 11,900, added housing, and brought our downtown back into productive use. Investment is happening because the fundamentals are strong and the direction is clear. Springfield is proving that communities like ours can compete, adapt, and build a future people want to be part of.”
— Mike McDorman, President & CEO, Greater Springfield Partnership

• We've taken proactive steps to support local efforts to help the Haitian population assimilate into our workforce.
• Haitian workers pay taxes and re-invest in our local economy.
• Area businesses benefit when these new workers can assimilate quickly into their workplace cultures.
• This quick and mass influx has created many challenges in the community, but our Haitian population is willing to work hard for local employers and adapt.

Assimilation efforts are focused on three key areas:

• Driving Instruction
• Healthcare
• Language/Culture

Two GSP staff members serve on the Haitian Coalition so that the best interests of the business community are represented.

• Businesses are thriving in Clark County.
• More jobs = more housing opportunities + downtown redevelopment/downtown events