Care providers highlighted that losing trained staff will force agencies to hire less experienced workers.
"They are caught in a trap," said Carole Hirsch, owner of Prepare to Care — Emergency Companions.
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"It’s expensive to hire qualified caregivers. It’s already harder than ever and the costs of care are so much.
Good aides are $30 to $45, compared to when I started (20 years ago) it was."
Business owners in immigrant communities maintained their commitment to working despite looming deadlines.
"The Haitian community here, we come here to work hard," said Ketlie Moise, owner of Keket Bon Gout restaurant.
Religious leaders described widespread anxiety among congregation members in affected areas.
"What I hear from most people is their plan is to just go in the house, lock the door and try to wait this out," said Carl Ruby, senior pastor of Central Christian Church.
"I think a lot of them are still hoping something's going to happen that will allow them to stay.
I don't think that's very likely, but it's just a waiting situation now."
Pastor Ruby reflected on the overall impact on local municipal growth and community stability.
"When Haitians arrived, that was the first time Springfield had grown in half a century," said Carl Ruby.
"New businesses were coming here, existing businesses were expanding."
He expressed sorrow over the sudden uncertainty facing long-time community members.
"I'm grieving what this means to Haitians who have become my dear friends and who are members of my church, but I'm also grieving for our city," said Carl Ruby.
