Additional Coverage:
- JD Vance boasts he’ll keep calling Springfield Haitians ‘illegal aliens’ even though he knows they aren’t (newsbreak.com)
Vance Insists on Mislabeling Haitian Migrants as "Illegal"
Ohio Republican JD Vance has declared that he will continue to refer to Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, as "illegal" aliens, despite acknowledging their legal status.
During a campaign event, Vance was questioned about the fate of migrants under TPS in a potential second Trump administration. He dismissed their legal status, stating that Vice President Kamala Harris "waved a wand" to grant them legal status through mass parole and TPS.
Migrants Legally Residing in Springfield
The city of Springfield confirms that Haitian migrants are present legally under the Immigration Parole Program and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS is granted to Haitian nationals until February 3, 2026.
Debunked Claims and Fabricated Stories
Despite being informed by a Springfield official that claims about Haitian migrants stealing and consuming pets were unfounded, Vance disseminated these allegations. The police report used to support the claims was later found to be based on an error.
Vance has admitted to "creating stories" to draw media attention to immigration. He claims to rely on accounts from constituents, but maintains that his statements are intended to highlight the issue, not fabricate events.
Vance has also accused Harris of enabling the arrival of "illegal" migrants in Springfield. However, the Biden administration’s TPS and Humanitarian parole programs allow Haitian migrants to enter the US legally under specific conditions.