Jackie Lee Refutes Claims Made About Ohio Haitians

I want to comment about the unfounded allegations made at the National Presidential Debate and on social media recently about the Haitian immigrants in Ohio. These unsupported claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating pets are false. The Governor of Ohio, Mayor of Springfield, and local law enforcement have debunked the untruthful and hateful fabrications in that there have been no credible substantiations about such claims. The detestable remarks cause Haitians to lose respect from others and diminish their own dignity – damage that no human being deserves. Such hate may also lead to violence. To learn more about the situation in Springfield, please click on this short video by musician John Legend, who is originally from Springfield, OH. In fact, this is not the first time Haitians have been victims of misinformation for geopolitical gains. You may read more from an article in The Conversation by Nathan H. Dize, Assistant Professor of French, Arts, & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis

As in other parts of the US such as the Bay Area, most of the recent Haitian immigrants in Springfield have arrived due to the Humanitarian Parole program set forth by the Biden-Harris Administration on January 5, 2023. The program enables those residing in Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua to come to the US legally, live, and work in this country for up to two years. In order to qualify for the program, applicants must have sufficient financial sponsorship from relatives, friends, or other acquaintances who legally reside in the US. For those seeking to come to the US, their process starts by submitting an application with supporting documents from their sponsor(s) to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). After a lengthy screening and review period by USCIS, those approved for admittance must travel from their home country to the US within a specific period of time. Upon arrival in the US, newcomers can apply for an Employment Authorization Card so they can seek work. For an overview of why the humanitarian parole program is in place and applied for, please click on this video featuring independent journalist Dan Cohen. Dick Spotswood, regular columnist for the Marin Independent Journal, provides an additional, local viewpoint and insight about the Ohio falsehoods in his recent article, From Ohio to Marin, Haitians Recoil from Trump, Vance Claims.

Haitian newcomers are arriving in the US legally largely to escape the gang violence and insecurity that has pervaded Haiti since 2021. While they have suffered greatly, many have had to leave behind major aspects of their lives such as their employment, associations, relationships, and belongings. As the Executive Director of Haiti On The Rise and as a Haitian-American, I have received many questions regarding how newcomers can reestablish themselves in their new home – the US. With an open heart, I have voluntarily provided counseling, translation, and other services to help new arrivals rebuild their lives through employment, education, and community.

There is an adage that says: “It is through adversity that one recognizes his or her true friends”. Over the years, Randall and I are grateful to Haiti On The Rise followers for all your love and support but most recently for your concern and sympathy on the above matter. We are so appreciative for those whom have reached out to us. Haiti On The Rise will continue to serve the less privileged in Haiti for they need us. We will not let distractions of hate stand in our way in practicing our core values. Love and compassion shall always prevail. Thank you for being with us. Together, we can continue to change and transform lives and communities of those in despair one at a time.

Jackie Lee