Trump vows to revoke temporary protected status for Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio
WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump told NewsNation in an exclusive interview that he would deport Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, who have legal residency if elected in November.
Trump’s latest comments come after he made unfounded claims during the presidential debate last month that Haitian migrants are stealing and eating the pets of Springfield residents. Republican Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine called the claim a “piece of garbage.”
When pressed on whether he would revoke Temporary Protected Status for Haitian migrants in Springfield, Trump told NewsNation on Wednesday, “Absolutely. I'd revoke it and I'd bring them back to their country.”
Temporary Protected Status is an immigration status provided to migrants who are unable to return to their countries because of difficult or unsafe conditions, according to the advocacy group American Immigration Council.
The former president alleged that Springfield is being “overrun” by Haitian migrants. About 15,000 Haitian migrants have relocated to the city in the past few years because of job opportunities and its affordability, according to the Associated Press.
“Springfield is such a beautiful place. Have you seen what's happened to it? It's been overrun. You can't do that to people. They have to be removed,” Trump said.
Trump’s allies have repeated false claims about Haitian migrants in Springfield, including vice presidential nominee Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
Vice President Kamala Harris said in an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia last month that her “heart breaks” for the Haitian community.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says he would deport Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio