Right-Wing Claims Fuel Fear Among Haitian Immigrants.
For weeks, right-wing commentators and politicians have circulated unfounded allegations about Haitian immigrants. These falsehoods have instilled significant fear within the Haitian community, leading to incidents of bomb threats, harassment, and vandalism. Residents of Springfield, Ohio, the first community affected, reported feeling “scared for their lives.”
As an American-born citizen from a Black immigrant family, I am deeply troubled by these claims, even though I have never been to Ohio. I understand how quickly these lies can spread and how they can affect people like my family.
Despite my Nigerian parents being naturalized citizens for over 20 years, their strong accents and distinctive names make us easily identifiable targets for those influenced by hateful rhetoric. Just as Donald Trump’s comments targeting Mexican and Chinese individuals sparked widespread hate against all Latin Americans and Asians, the unfounded accusations against Haitians will likely impact all Black immigrants and the Black community at large.
Having grown up witnessing the struggles of Black immigrants, I know they often find themselves in vulnerable positions. Many come from predominantly Black countries and are not prepared to face racism in a way they had not experienced before.
Black immigrant communities exist across the United States. While states like New York have historically hosted these communities, a 2022 Pew Research study revealed that 42 percent of Black immigrants now reside in the South, including my parents. Texas has seen a substantial increase in its Black immigrant population over the past decade, becoming home to the third-largest population of Black immigrants in the country. Other states, such as Colorado, have also witnessed significant growth, with the Black immigrant population increasing more than fourfold during that time.
Politicians often frame immigration as a challenge, but immigrants have consistently contributed positively to society. Both documented and undocumented immigrants contribute more to the economy than they withdraw. Instead of being burdens, immigrants drive economic growth in their communities. In Springfield, Haitian immigrants filled jobs left vacant due to the town’s declining population, which resulted in higher wages for everyone.
Furthermore, contrary to claims of bringing “drugs and crime,” research indicates that higher immigrant populations in a community often correlate with lower crime rates. Both documented and undocumented immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than U.S.-born citizens. Notably, it is predominantly U.S. citizens, not immigrants, who are involved in smuggling drugs into the country. For instance, federal authorities recently charged numerous members of a neo-Nazi group with trafficking fentanyl in California.
In contrast, immigrants like my parents contribute culture, innovation, and diversity—qualities that enrich our nation. Instead of slandering immigrants on the national stage, we should be supporting them.
Unfortunately, for some, fostering division seems more appealing than working toward real solutions to our issues. The attacks on Haitian immigrants are not just a disgraceful falsehood; they also aim to redefine who is considered an “American,” excluding families like mine.
Our leaders must summon the courage to defend immigrants against these baseless accusations. They owe it to all Americans, whether citizens or immigrants.
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