Former President Donald Trump is making headlines with his intention to revoke the legal immigration status of Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, should he reclaim the presidency. He and his 2024 running mate, Senator JD Vance, have been vocal about unfounded allegations claiming that Haitians are responsible for bizarre acts, such as abducting and eating pets.
In a recent interview with NewsNation’s Ali Bradley, Trump shared his plan to render the legal status of Haitian migrants in Springfield illegal, paving the way for their deportation if he wins in November.
Michael M. Santiago
“Have you seen what’s happening in Springfield? It’s so beautiful, yet overrun,” Trump remarked. “These people need to be removed.” He confirmed, “I would absolutely revoke [TPS] and send them back.”
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick from the American Immigration Council criticized Trump’s stance on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting that by January, around 250,000 Haitians may be protected under TPS. Approximately 60,000 have held this status since the devastating 2010 earthquake.
“TPS is designed for individuals from countries facing inhumane conditions. If Haiti doesn’t qualify, then what does?” he questioned.
The scope of Trump’s plan remains ambiguous—it’s unclear if he aims to revoke TPS for all Haitian immigrants or just those residing in Springfield, fueled by comments made during his September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump has also claimed that Venezuelan gangs have taken control of Aurora, Colorado, a statement disputed by local officials and law enforcement.
While Trump plans to initiate deportations from Springfield and Aurora, legal experts express skepticism about his authority to deport legally present immigrants. They note that revoking TPS is crucial for any deportation actions he intends to pursue.
“Individuals on TPS cannot be deported unless they have other grounds, like a criminal record,” experts state.