Why is the Haitian population of Springfield, Ohio, booming?

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Former President Donald Trump's false and provocative claims about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, have cast a national spotlight on the small midwestern city and its migrant population.

The unsubstantiated rumors initially spread widely online -- and were magnified by some right-wing politicians and Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance -- after a series of social media posts went viral.

A spokesperson for the city of Springfield has told ABC News these claims are false, and there have been "no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals in the immigrant community."

Still, a firestorm brought on by the Republican presidential candidate's comments has eclipsed the complexities of the American immigration system and the geopolitical dynamics that have contributed to the rising number of Haitians seeking refuge in the United States -- including the thousands who have settled in Springfield over the last roughly three years.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/why-haitian-population-springfield-ohio-162000156.html

[Claustrum]

1. I've seen report that the increase in population drove up rent prices

Last edited Tue Sep 17, 2024, 09:55 PM - Edit history (1)

and it's pricing out some longer term residents there. Some are saying the Haitian populations are used to have 2-3 incomes sharing a place so they can pay higher rent. And that created some anger within the community members that were there before.

But we all know why they went for a stupid "they are eating your dogs and cats" angle instead of a real concern.

[Demsrule86]

2. I live in Ohio...that small town was dying losing folks for years...businesses were going to close...

So the Feds and Dewine got them there and it has been successful until Vance told his lies...they are not illegal by the way.

[LAS14]

3. After COVID factories were re-opening and new businesses....

... were emerging and they needed workers, so they went after the Haitians. The Haitians proved to be excellent workers.

[Retrograde]

4. Some people come to Springfield, get jobs

make enough money to bring their families over to join them; they tell neighbors back home that there are opportunities in Springfield, so they come and settle there where they already know some people who spoke their language (and those pioneers made it a bit easier for the newcomers). Some of them start their own businesses catering to the immigrant population - food stores, restaurants, etc. Pretty much what my ancestors did in the early 1900s - and just about every immigrant group has done.