Former President Donald Trump has stated that if he is reelected in November, he would revoke Temporary Protected Status for Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, and deport them. Trump expressed his opinion that the presence of these migrants is not legal and emphasized the need to return them to their home country.
Many Haitian migrants in Springfield have Temporary Protected Status, which shields them from deportation and allows them to live and work in the United States for a limited period. Some received this protection under a parole program initiated by the Biden-Harris administration, while others have had it since before the current administration took office.
During his presidency, Trump's administration took a hardline stance on immigration, aggressively ending several temporary protected status designations that had been in place for years. Trump has recently been spreading misinformation about Haitian migrants in Springfield, including false claims about them eating pets, which has led to threats of violence in the community.
Local officials, including Springfield Mayor Rob Rue and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, have denounced these rumors as false and harmful to the community. They have highlighted the positive contributions of Haitian immigrants to Springfield's economy, noting that they play a significant role in filling essential jobs and are legally residing in the city.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to an influx of immigrants, DeWine has acknowledged the positive influence of Haitian immigrants on the community and expressed a commitment to addressing any issues that arise. The city of Springfield has emphasized the importance of welcoming and supporting all residents, including the Haitian migrant population.
