Refugee Council USA Denounces Hateful Rhetoric Targeting Haitian Immigrants

Washington, DC- In recent days, political candidates and others have spread outrageously false and offensive claims that stigmatize the Haitian community. Following the presidential debate on September 10, where a baseless derogatory claim about immigrants was perpetuated, Haitian immigrants and Haitian Americans say they increasingly fear for their safety as tensions rise in the community of Springfield, Ohio–where bomb threats have forced the closure and evacuation of schools–and across the country.

“These false, degrading, and racist accusations have no place on the national political stage. This behavior goes beyond irresponsible. It’s reprehensible and dangerous,” said RCUSA Executive Director John Slocum. “While the statements may seem worthy of ridicule, they demand denunciation; repeating these as memes or jokes further perpetuates the very real harms this kind of discourse causes.” 

Refugee Council USA calls on all leaders and public figures to use their platforms in support of immigrant communities and promote respect rooted in facts, rather than spread false and harmful narratives that seek to divide our nation to score cheap political points. These most recent baseless claims and others like them are deeply concerning because they are rooted in lies and racism, which only further serve to divide our nation while inciting violence.

In reality, Haitians and other newcomers–in Ohio and across the country–are revitalizing communities, spurring local economic development with their tax dollars and working hard-to-fill jobs. 

Refugee Council USA remains dedicated to advocating for the dignity, rights, and humanity of all immigrants, and we stand in solidarity with the Haitian community in Springfield and across the United States. 

Media Contact: Mariam Sayeed, msayeed@rcusa.org

RCUSA is a diverse coalition advocating for just and humane laws and policies, and the promotion of dialogue and communication among government, civil society, and those who need protection and welcome. Individual RCUSA members do not all address all refugee-related issues, nor do all individual members approach common refugee-related issues identically.

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