For decades, politicians from both parties have criticized the U.S. immigration system, widely deemed broken. Recent attempts at comprehensive reform have faltered, and in the last two years, rising popular emotions and deepening partisan conflict have put a spotlight on cities grappling with an influx of migrants.
With tensions running high, Republican-led states have started busing new arrivals to Democratic-led cities, drawing attention to Springfield, Ohio, a community that has recently welcomed legal immigrants.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, have spread unfounded claims that Haitian migrants in Springfield are engaging in extreme behaviors, such as consuming household pets.
The reality is that a substantial number of the approximately 15,000 Haitians living in Springfield hold legal status in the U.S., primarily under Temporary Protected Status, which allows them to work and reside here. Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric is part of a troubling trend that targets marginalized communities.
Trump’s claims raised eyebrows during a rally in Las Vegas where he inaccurately asserted that the city has been “taken over by illegal migrants.” It’s crucial to note that he lacks legal grounds to deport Haitians with protected status.
Supporting this misinformation, figures like Vivek Ramaswamy have made baseless claims about the federal government transporting Haitians to Springfield. In truth, migrants often bear the costs of their own relocation as they seek family, employment, and housing.
American cities have historically seen their cultural, economic, and religious identities shaped by immigrant populations. According to Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, “Most Americans are fundamentally immigrants. It’s perplexing to question whether immigration is a strength.” In Oklahoma City, diverse communities, including Latinos and Vietnamese, contribute significantly to the city’s identity and economy.
Holt welcomed over 2,000 Afghan refugees following the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan. One of these refugees, Feroz Bashari, who previously served as a spokesperson for the Afghan government, emphasized the welcoming environment in Oklahoma, highlighting its shared values with his own culture.
Bashari articulated concerns regarding the misconceptions surrounding immigrant communities, stating that rhetoric like Trump’s stems from a lack of understanding about their contributions. He argues that diversity enriches the country and fosters greatness.
Historically, immigrants play crucial roles in filling jobs that many Americans overlook. As older generations retire and birth rates decline, this workforce need is expected to grow. Without immigrants, essential services in cities would struggle to operate due to labor shortages.
A recent census survey revealed that Ohio’s foreign-born population includes 5,442 individuals from Haiti. Springfield officials estimate their Haitian community to be between 15,000 and 20,000, which has impacted local services, including healthcare and housing, leading to challenges in accessibility. Acknowledging these demands, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has allocated $2.5 million for healthcare needs over the next two years.
Residents have voiced frustration over the city’s inadequate response to these challenges. One Springfield resident expressed discontent with local leadership, stating that her concerns are overlooked.
Trump’s assertions of rising crime rates linked to migrants have been debunked by local authorities and research indicating that crime rates among immigrants are lower than those of native-born residents.
This fear-mongering narrative is not new; nearly 200 years ago, Chinese laborers faced similar demonization, reflecting a historical pattern of scapegoating immigrant communities. Legislative measures, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the restrictive quotas established in 1924, reveal systemic biases against certain ethnic groups. A pivotal change occurred with the Hart-Celler Immigration Act of 1965, which dismantled these quotas and allowed for family reunification through chain migration, benefiting diverse communities from around the world.
