Former President Donald Trump‘s claims about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, have brought attention to the city and its migrant population. These rumors spread online and were amplified by right-wing politicians and Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance. However, the city of Springfield has stated that these claims are false and there is no evidence of pets being harmed by individuals in the immigrant community.
Most of the estimated 12,000 to 15,000 Haitians living in Springfield are legally authorized to reside and work in the US. Many of them are protected from deportation under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows migrants to stay if conditions in their home country prevent them from returning safely. Haitian nationals were granted TPS after a devastating earthquake in 2010.
President Joe Biden reinstated TPS for Haiti shortly after taking office, expanding protections for Haitians who arrived after November 2022. The Biden administration has also worked to address the challenges facing Haiti, including security concerns and social unrest.
While most Haitians in the US reside in Florida and the northeast according to census data, local authorities say that recent migrants to Springfield are not yet reflected in this data. The cost of living and employment opportunities have attracted many Haitians to Springfield.
However, some residents have expressed concerns about strain on resources due to the increased population size. Under US law, most Haitian migrants are eligible for public benefits such as Medicaid and nutritional assistance. Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has pledged $2.5 million over two years to provide more healthcare options for residents.
DeWine defended the Haitian immigrants on ABC’s ”This Week,” stating that they are legal workers who contribute positively to Ohio’s economy but acknowledged challenges associated with an influx of people into a small city like Springfield.
In response to recent threats made against schools in Springfield, DeWine announced that law enforcement officers would conduct bomb sweeps as a precautionary measure.
