After former President Donald Trump claimed during a debate that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were “eating pets,” the outrageous statement quickly went viral. You could not scroll through TikTok or Twitter without seeing a post about Trump’s ridiculous comments. What may seem like a harmless comment has negative ramifications for immigrants nationwide.
Trump’s claims directly threaten immigrants around the country, most of whom arrive in the U.S. seeking a better life. His claims are rooted in xenophobia, a form of prejudice against immigrants. This hateful narrative dehumanizes immigrants and paints them as criminals.
What originally started as a Facebook post by Springfield resident Erica Lee spiraled out of control. Lee’s comments somehow reached Donald Trump, who told millions during the debate. Although moderator and journalist David Muir proved that statement false seconds later, the damage had already been done.
Trump’s claim should not be seen as anything less than a discriminatory act. The former president put another community in danger. Members of the Haitian community explained the devastating effects these claims had in Springfield.
In an interview with CNN, Springfield resident and Haitian immigrant Vilbrun Dorsainvil talked about the increased tensions in Springfield after the debate.
“If it were not a matter of death or life, it would be better to go back home,” Dorsainvil said.
In the days following the debate, Springfield residents, specifically Haitian immigrants, became the targets of death threats and hate speech. ABC News reported, “In a town of more than 58,000 residents, threats of bombings and shootings led to the closure of city buildings and schools for several days.” The situation in Springfield not only traumatizes victims but also demonstrates the massive repercussions caused by such damaging words.
Unfortunately, Trump’s comments about Haitian immigrants are not new. Trump has displayed bigoted behavior in the past. During the pandemic, Trump made several posts on social media calling COVID-19 the ‘China Virus.’ These posts fueled the anti-Asian hate, similar to how his most recent claim encouraged prejudice against Haitians.
Your vote is your voice. When the time to vote comes around, it’s in your best interest to pick a candidate who will use their voice to unite the country instead of dividing it.