Reason # 62: Immigrants and Crime?
Why do we need to defeat Donald Trump and ensure that a Democrat occupies the White House?
One of the major strategies deployed by Republicans, specifically including Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, is to try to convince gullible voters that undocumented immigrants are responsible for an unprecedented crime wave in U.S. cities. Not only were a large percentage of those who cross the border illegally violent criminals, many others were criminally insane, having been released from psychiatric asylums and herded across the border.
In the past week, they have amplified warnings and doubled down by accusing Haitian immigrants of abducting and cannibalizing domestic pets in Springfield Ohio. How much of this frightening rhetoric is accurate? Very, very little.
Although some undocumented immigrants have been arrested and or convicted of crimes, the crime rate among this group is substantially lower than among our native citizens.
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/debunking-myth-migrant-crime-wave#:~:text=In%20four%20precincts%20that%20have%20large%20migrant%20shelters,%20data
Undocumented immigrants are approximately 33% less likely to be convicted of a drug related or violent crime. In Texas, where most of the border is located, the figure is 47% lower!
Although Republican rhetoric tries to shame “sanctuary cities”, crime rates are not increased in these centers of kindness and decency.
That brings us to Springfield, Ohio. Are undocumented Haitian immigrants gobbling down kitties and puppies? The answer is an emphatic no. First, the Springfield Haitians are not undocumented. They hold valid immigration documents. The mayor and the police chief have openly stated that there are no credible reports of pet abduction and cannibalism and even those who started the rumors have retracted their accusations.
https://www.msn.com/…/springfield-mayor…/ar-AA1qUzV0…
Despite this authoritative debunking, Trump and Vance and their spokespersons still refuse to back down.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/springfield-mayor-city-officials-told-vance-staffer-haitian-migrant-rumors-were-baseless/ar-AA1qUzV0?ocid=BingNewsSerp
As a direct result, these hardworking immigrants who hold valid documents and are contributing to an improving local economy are being slandered and are receiving threats of physical violence.
It is important to remember that 99% of Americans are the offspring of immigrants to America. Oh, and by the way, two of Donald Trump’s wives and J.D. Vance’s wife are immigrants who, typically, have not been accused of criminal behavior.
Donald Trump is telling lies that recklessly threaten those who wish to contribute to our economy and perhaps become citizens. He does not deserve your vote. Neither does J.D. Vance.
Have a heart; use your mind, search your conscience, and vote for Democratic candidates – across the ballot – on November. 5th.
Please share this message with your friends and please, add your thoughts, to expand upon what are only brief sketches here.
Fred Grannis
September 20, 2024