Springfield, Ohio, a town of 56,000, has been overwhelmed by a dramatic surge of illegal Haitian immigrants in recent years. City officials estimate that between 4,000 and 7,000 Haitians have moved to the area under the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies, causing tensions to rise among the town’s long-time residents.
The influx of immigrants has placed significant strain on local resources, with crime and harassment becoming more common, according to frustrated locals. One Springfield resident recently shared her struggles during a City Commission meeting, explaining that she and her husband are regularly harassed by Haitian immigrants squatting on their lawn. “I can’t take it anymore,” she told the town’s mayor.
Since Biden took office, Springfield’s population has increased by 33%, a stark contrast to the 1.7% decrease it saw between 2010 and 2020. Many of these immigrants are on Temporary Protected Status, but their arrival has left Springfield residents feeling overwhelmed.
The rapid population growth has also driven up housing prices, with Springfield locals competing with illegal immigrants for homes. Some residents have described the town as a “sanctuary city,” blaming local leaders for allowing the influx to continue.
As Springfield grapples with these challenges, community members are urging local officials to address the growing concerns about crime, housing, and the impact of federal immigration policies on their small town.
