Immigration Equality Condemns Racist Attacks on Haitian Immigrants

Immigration Equality’s Director of Law and Policy, Bridget Crawford, issued the following statement in response to racist and xenophobic remarks targeting the Haitian immigrant community in Springfield, Ohio:

“Immigration Equality condemns the baseless, racist attacks on Haitian immigrants made by former President Trump, Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance, and other elected officials. They are no joking matter and have already led to threats of violence against the community. Unfortunately, this type of dehumanizing treatment is not new to Haitian immigrants, who have historically endured discrimination and abuse within the US immigration system.

“Anti-immigrant, disinformation campaigns from the right have become a hallmark of political campaigning in recent years. Dehumanizing and vilifying asylum seekers fleeing persecution and economic migrants looking for a better life is a classic attack meant to demonize immigrants and legitimize mistreatment and deportation. That appears to be Former President Trump’s plan; he recently touted that the mass expulsion of immigrants from the United States – a cornerstone of his agenda – will be a ‘bloody story.’

“We urge elected officials to refrain from spreading lies and conspiracy theories that motivate violence against marginalized communities, including LGBTQ and migrant communities across the country. Instead, they should be working toward a humane, fair and efficient system that reflects American values, upholds our legal obligations under international law, and treats all people with dignity and respect.”