As the political climate intensifies in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Haitian immigrants and Americans of Haitian heritage have found themselves at the center of a troubling narrative propagated by some of the loudest voices in American politics.
Lies shared by disgraced former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, about Haitian immigrants allegedly abducting and eating their neighbors’ pets, have surfaced amid a broader debate on immigration.
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in,” Trump said. “They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what’s happening in our country, and it’s a shame.”
These unfounded claims not only misrepresent a community that has demonstrated resilience and success in the United States but also serve to distract from the pressing issues at hand.
By spreading and amplifying vicious lies about the Haitian community eating cats and dogs, Trump and Vance have profited politically by enhancing unrealistic fears among voters who consider them better on immigration and crime.
Amidst the chaos of Trump’s presidency, crime surged across the U.S., fueled by escalating social tensions and divisive rhetoric, creating an urgent crisis that left communities grappling with fear and uncertainty, contributing to a complex landscape of public safety concerns.
Despite the chaotic and inflammatory rhetoric surrounding them, Haitians in the U.S. have shown remarkable capacity for integration and contribution.
Statistics reveal that nearly 80% of Haitian adults find employment within three years of arrival, often exceeding national averages.
U.S.-born children of Haitian descent excel academically, with nearly all speaking English fluently and over half obtaining college degrees. This educational achievement is a testament to the value placed on education within Haitian families and their desire to forge a brighter future.
Beyond economic contributions, Haitians have become active participants in their communities, enriching our social fabric through cultural events, civic engagement, and service.
Nel Ust Wyclef Jean was nine when he emigrated from Haiti with his family to the United States. In 1990, he formed the New Jersey-based hip-hop trio Fugees with fellow musicians Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel.
Through her multifaceted contributions as a mother, educator, and First Lady of the City of Linden, Danie Orelein is a prominent Haitian American who exemplifies the spirit of service and commitment that enriches American society.
Her daughter, Brianna Armstead, is on the frontlines in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, knocking on doors and standing up for what she believes in by fighting for the future of our country as a campaign operative for Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
Stories of the diverse talents of Haitian Americans remind us of the vital role that immigrants play in weaving the tapestry of our nation. To turn these amazing contributions into something negative, ugly, and fearsome is to reveal the evil intentions of Republican politicians.
In separate reports, David J. Bier and Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute—a libertarian think tank that promotes limited government and free markets— each highlighted that Haitians in the United States assimilate well and do not cause problems such as crime.
While many Haitian immigrants arrive with limited English proficiency—over two-thirds of those over 25 struggle with the language—their assimilation improves significantly over time. After ten years, only about 17 percent struggle with English, showcasing a commitment to adaptation.
Legal Haitian immigrants have incarceration rates about 81 percent below native-born Americans, while those who illegally remain in the United States have an incarceration rate 38 percent below native-born citizens.
The labor market integration of Haitian immigrants stands out as a testament to their resilience. Although most arrive without jobs, a significant majority find employment within a year, and by three years, their employment rates soar to nearly 80 percent—far surpassing the national average. This success is a clear rebuttal to stereotypes that immigrants drain resources; rather, they enrich the economy.
Bier notes that while first-generation Haitian immigrants may face educational challenges, their descendants outperform the broader U.S. population.
Nearly all U.S.-born individuals with Haitian ancestry speak English fluently, and over half hold college degrees. This intergenerational success reflects the aspirations Haitian families have for better opportunities, a narrative often ignored in mainstream discussions.
The unfortunate portrayal of Haitian immigrants as threats or burdens is not only misleading but also harmful. As the Trump campaign employs sensational and baseless accusations, they risk undermining the genuine contributions that Haitians make to American society.
Nowrasteh said poverty rates also reflect the trend of improved outcomes among the descendants of Haitian immigrants.
While Haitians and other immigrants tend to have slightly higher poverty rates than the U.S. population in general, especially as children and young adults, that difference disappears for people born in the United States with Haitian ancestry.
He also reported that descendants of Haitians are about twice as likely to be active-duty members of the armed forces, which broadly reflects their assimilation into American society and strong support for American cultural values.
Amidst this backdrop, Trump’s chaotic debate performance and erratic social media behavior have drawn considerable scrutiny.
Following his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, where he repeated the unfounded lies about Haitian immigrants, Trump has been embroiled in controversies that seem to detract from substantive political discourse.
His confrontational outbursts, including a public feud with pop icon Taylor Swift, have alarmed his advisors, particularly as they scramble to appeal to female voters.
To reclaim narrative control, Trump and Vance have sought to justify their inflammatory statements, claiming they are merely drawing attention to immigration issues. Yet, such attempts to validate harmful rhetoric only exacerbate the existing divisions in American society.
during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris last week .
Since Trump and Vance shared their outrageous lies that Haitian immigrants living in Springfield were eating dogs, cats, and geese, the city has had to deal with bomb threats to schools, stores, and other sites.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue—both Republicans—said the city has received more than 30 bomb threats since the national GOP nominees engaged in these hoaxes to attract support from Americans who harbor unfounded fear of immigrants.
Most Americans are either immigrants or have ancestors who came seeking opportunity and freedom. This pattern persists, with new immigrants making the United States a more prosperous, free, and secure nation.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is conducting bomb sweeps at Springfield schools as a precaution. Several local leaders have also been targeted in the wake of baseless lies about Haitian immigrants that have been repeated by Trump and Vance.
Springfield has seen a rise in legal Haitian immigrants in recent years as many flee Haiti and take jobs in Springfield factories and warehouses. City leaders have said the number is about 15,000-20,000 arriving over the course of several years.
“We need those that have a national stage that have a mic, with millions and millions (of followers), we need them to understand what their words are doing to cities like Springfield, Ohio,” Rue said. “What we need is help. We don’t need this misinformation.”
Bier argues for a more constructive approach to immigration, emphasizing the need for legal pathways and humane policies that facilitate Haitian integration. The Biden administration’s temporary protected status for Haitians who entered before August 2021 is a step in the right direction, but it falls short of providing the long-term solutions necessary for full assimilation.
The focus must shift from vilifying Haitian immigrants to recognizing their contributions and the challenges they face.
Trump quashed comprehensive immigration reform after a deal was made among Democrats and Republicans in Congress, his administration dismantled programs such as DACA and sought to limit legal immigration pathways, and not only hindered constructive dialogue but also created a climate of fear and uncertainty, leading to increased hardship for immigrant communities and deepening the divide in public opinion on immigration issues.
Comprehensive immigration reform that expands legal avenues for Haitians can foster better integration and reduce illegal immigration, ultimately benefiting both the immigrants and the nation.
Haitian immigrants are a testament to the American Dream, embodying resilience and hard work in the face of adversity. As the political landscape grows more fraught with misinformation and divisive rhetoric, it is crucial to shift the narrative towards understanding and supporting those who contribute positively to our society.
By recognizing the success of Haitian immigrants and advocating for policies that facilitate their integration, we can uphold the values of opportunity and inclusivity that define America.