During the vice-presidential debate on October 1, 2024, CBS News moderators muted the candidates’ microphones only once, during a discussion about immigration. The debate centered on the status of Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, following claims made by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance. Vance alleged that Springfield’s immigrants were in the US illegally, prompting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to criticize him. The moderators clarified that most Haitians in Springfield have legal status under temporary protected status, after which Vance made misleading statements about an immigration phone app.
The fact-checking revealed that the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, primarily hold legal status through humanitarian parole and temporary protected status. President Joe Biden has expanded these programs to allow Haitians to live and work legally in the US temporarily. Although these protections do not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, they are considered lawful statuses under immigration law. Experts confirmed that Haitians under these programs are not in the US illegally, despite Vance’s claims.
While temporary protected status and humanitarian parole do not provide a path to citizenship, they offer temporary legal status that can be revoked. If these protections are terminated, individuals may face deportation, but they are entitled to a removal hearing before an immigration judge, which can lead to a lengthy process due to court backlogs.
In conclusion, Vance’s claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are illegal is false, as they hold legal status under federal programs. This highlights the importance of accurate information regarding immigration issues and the need for a comprehensive approach to immigration policy that takes into account the complexities of individual cases.
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