Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance recently criticized the federal immigration parole program that allows Haitian immigrants to be in Springfield, Ohio legally. Vance emphasized the importance of welcoming individuals who enrich the United States, stating that only those who have the right to be in the country should be allowed to stay.
Vance's comments came in response to questions regarding his previous false claims about Haitian migrants in Springfield. Local officials have refuted these claims, with the city's mayor urging Vance and former President Donald Trump to consider the impact of their rhetoric, especially after incidents like the evacuation of schools and a bomb threat at city hall.
In addition to criticizing the immigration parole program, Vance also took aim at the Biden-Harris administration's immigration policies. He specifically mentioned the administration's open border approach, which includes granting amnesty and mass parole to illegal immigrants without fully integrating them into American society.
The city of Springfield's website indicates that there are approximately 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants residing in Clark County. This demographic diversity underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and their impact on local communities.