Marc Rocher arrived in the U.S. from Haiti in 2023 through a humanitarian parole program. He was granted temporary protection status and a work permit, which allowed him to fill critical teaching and translating roles in an area of Ohio with teacher shortages. But the Trump administration has announced that it would terminate the status for Haitians effective Sept. 2.

In Putnam County, where a decisive 83% of voters backed Trump in 2024, the story of Rocher — a church volunteer who has become a bridge between Haitians and longtime residents — is challenging some Republicans to grapple with their party’s hard-line immigration views. Students, churchgoers and community members are now rallying behind the beloved teacher, sending letters to lawmakers to fight his deportation.