Mass Deportation Anxiety Hits Ohio Immigrants
The Ku Klux Klan circulated fliers with derogatory language directed at immigrants, particularly Haitians. The leaflets, which wrongly blamed immigrants for social problems and pushed unsettling themes of bigotry with strong words like "Foreigners & Haitians out," people were urged to join a movement opposing "forced immigration" by the fliers. They said that because there were so many immigrants living in Springfield, poverty had overtaken the city. Fear-mongering rhetoric was utilized, advising Americans to keep their children safe from "beasts of the fields."
In addition to incorrectly classifying Haitians as threats, these unfounded accusations caused disruptions in day-to-day activities. Schools were evacuated as a result of bomb threats, and the municipal hall in Springfield was shuttered as a result. What started off as a rumor has grown into a citywide problem that is causing people to live in dread, miscommunication, and violence. However, a lot of people have shown support and prayer for their Haitian neighbors. The truth speaks louder than lies, as people of the community often tell us. Whether or when people band together to combat prejudice and division will determine Springfield's destiny.