The recent surge of Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, has drawn national attention. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has responded by sending law enforcement and millions of dollars in healthcare resources to the city, which has been overwhelmed by the influx of approximately 15,000 Haitian migrants since 2020. The governor, while expressing support for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program that allowed many of these migrants to enter, emphasized that the federal government must do more to assist communities facing such burdens.

While the situation in Springfield is complex and layered with economic, social, and cultural challenges, as Christians and conservatives, it is important that we approach this issue with both truth and compassion, while also holding fast to biblical principles and the need for order and justice.

The Responsibility of Truth

A disturbing aspect of this crisis has been the spread of false rumors regarding the behavior of Haitian migrants. Former President Donald Trump amplified baseless claims that Haitian immigrants were abducting and eating pets, sparking bomb threats and evacuations in Springfield. And J.D. Vance admitted to fabricating stories to draw attention to the challenges in Springfield. As Christians, we must stand firmly against lies. Scripture is clear: the devil is the father of all lies (John 8:44). Lying to advance a cause is unacceptable. Our commitment to truth is a reflection of our faith in Christ, who declared Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

The problems Springfield faces are real and significant, but they must be addressed through honesty, not fearmongering. When politicians resort to falsehoods, it not only erodes trust but also distorts the focus from the legitimate concerns facing local communities.

Springfield’s Struggle: A Result of Failed Immigration Policy

At the heart of Springfield’s crisis lies the issue of uncontrolled immigration policies under the Biden-Harris administration. This influx of 15,000 Haitians into a city of only 59,000 people has put a tremendous strain on local resources, leaving the community grappling with challenges it was unprepared to handle. From overtaxed public health services that have seen interpreter budgets skyrocket from $40,000 to $400,000, to a housing market in disarray with landlords opting for higher-paying Haitian tenants over federally subsidized housing, Springfield is struggling. The effects on homelessness and local services are profound.

Republican Gov. DeWine’s call for more federal help is justified. While compassion is a Christian virtue, immigration must be managed in a way that does not overwhelm small communities or lead to chaos. Immigration without proper planning and resources is not true compassion; it is recklessness. As stewards of God’s blessings, including the communities He has placed us in, we have a responsibility to ensure that public policy is rooted in justice and prudence, not emotional or political expediency.

Balancing Compassion and Order

As Christians, we are called to love our neighbor and care for the “stranger” (Leviticus 19:34). The Bible emphasizes kindness toward foreigners, but it also supports the idea of nations having borders and laws to maintain order. While we must not demonize the migrants, it is equally important that we do not ignore the burden placed on Springfield and its residents.

The Biden administration’s open-handed immigration policies have unleashed waves of migrants into communities across the nation. We have seen the fallout in major cities, where even Democratic mayors have cried out for federal assistance as their cities buckle under the pressure. Now, Springfield, a small city in Ohio, is experiencing the same strain on resources, infrastructure, and local culture.

Rich Lowry from National Review noted that for a town of Springfield’s size, the arrival of 15,000 migrants is akin to millions arriving in New York City. The impact is undeniable. Migrants arrive not just as workers but with families in need of healthcare, education, and housing—none of which is unlimited. As local resources stretch to their breaking point, residents are right to feel frustrated, especially when they had no say in these drastic changes.

A Call for Federal Responsibility

While Governor DeWine’s response is a step in the right direction, the burden should not be left solely to local authorities. The federal government must take responsibility for the immigration policies that are directly causing these challenges. As Christians, we are taught that those in authority should govern with wisdom and fairness (Romans 13:1-4). It is the duty of the Biden-Harris administration to provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions for communities like Springfield that are facing a demographic and cultural shift without sufficient resources.

This does not mean turning our backs on Haitian migrants or denying them the opportunity to build a better life. As Hot Air’s David Strom pointed out, Martha’s Vineyard could not handle 50 migrants, yet Springfield has been expected to absorb 15,000. This is an unreasonable expectation for any small community.

Conclusion: Compassion with Caution

The influx of Haitian migrants in Springfield is a direct result of federal mismanagement. As Christians, we should offer compassion and support to those in need, recognizing that many Haitians are fleeing horrific conditions. But at the same time, we must advocate for policies that balance compassion with order, recognizing the limits of local resources and the importance of community stability.

Ultimately, the solution lies in responsible immigration reform that protects the integrity of our communities while upholding the Christian values of mercy and justice. As the Bible teaches, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Let us seek righteousness in both our treatment of migrants and the policies that govern our nation.