Springfield, Ohio, a town of just 56,000, is struggling to cope with a wave of illegal Haitian immigrants who have resettled in the area under the Biden-Harris administration. Local officials estimate that between 4,000 and 7,000 Haitians have arrived in the town in recent years, causing significant disruption and tension among residents.
During a City Commission meeting, Springfield residents voiced concerns about the growing number of immigrants, warning that it would lead to increased crime and other issues. Those fears have come true for some locals, with one resident recently telling the mayor that she faces daily harassment from Haitian immigrants squatting on her lawn.
Springfield’s population has increased by 33 % since President Joe Biden took office, a dramatic shift from the 1.7 % decline the town experienced between 2010 and 2020. The influx of immigrants has also led to skyrocketing housing prices, forcing long-time residents to compete with newcomers for affordable homes.
Many community members are now referring to Springfield as a “sanctuary city,” blaming local officials for failing to address the challenges posed by the surge of illegal immigrants. The Biden-Harris administration’s policies have allowed thousands of immigrants to settle in the town, leaving Springfield’s residents struggling to adapt to the rapid changes.
As the situation worsens, Springfield residents are calling on local leaders to take action and address the growing problems caused by the population surge.