NHAEON Condemns Trump-Vance for ‘Scapegoating Haitian Community’

NEW YORK, New York – The National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON), has joined the growing list of groups and influential individuals in strongly condemned former President Donald J. Trump and his presidential running mate JD Vance for “scapegoating the Haitian Community and jeopardizing the safety of the Springfield Community” in Ohio.

Trump and Vance have been doubling-down on false rumors about Haitian immigrants in Springfield eating the pets.

NHAEON, the largest network of Haitian American elected and appointed officials committed to advocating for and amplifying the voices of Haitian Americans,  held a bipartisan national virtual press conference in addressing “the insecurity to the entire Springfield community” caused by what members described as “the xenophobic and racist lies recklessly recounted by former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance.”

NHAEON members not only condemned Trump and Vance’s “harmful rhetoric” but also highlighted “underlying issues affecting not only the Haitian community but the larger Springfield community.

“Instead of working across the aisle to earnestly tackle these issues raised by Republicans and Democrats alike, Trump and Vance use the issues for political sport to scapegoat legal immigrant populations that help revitalize otherwise declining economies,” they said.

“As elected representatives of the Haitian American community, we are outraged by Vance’s reckless rhetoric, which not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also undermines the fabric of our diverse nation,” said NHAEON’s chairwoman, Mary Estimé-Irvin.

“Haitians have long been pillars of strength in American communities. Their resilience, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit have enriched our society in countless ways.

“From frontline healthcare workers to innovative business leaders, and educators to public servants, Haitian Americans continue to make invaluable contributions that strengthen our nation’s economy and cultural landscape.

“NHAEON stands unwaveringly with the Haitian community in Springfield and across the United States. We will not allow xenophobic rhetoric to overshadow the truth of our people’s positive impact.

“The Haitian immigrant community are not puppets for political games,” Estimé-Irvin continued. “Let us be clear: hate speech and discrimination have no place in our society, especially from those in positions of power. We call on all leaders and citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and instead work towards fostering understanding, respect, and equal opportunity for all Americans, regardless of their origin.

“NHAEON reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the voices of Haitian Americans, challenging false narratives, and advocating for policies that recognize the dignity and value of every individual,” she said. “We will continue to fight tirelessly for a more just, inclusive, and equitable America – one that honors its immigrant heritage and embraces its multicultural future. The strength of our nation lies in its diversity.”

New York State Assemblywoman, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, told reporters “let me be clear: We don’t eat pets. We are the people who are producing the largest number of black doctors, black health care workers, black engineers, lawyers, and more.

“I just got my law degree, and my community is full or hard-working, highly accomplished Haitian immigrants, who Trump. Vance and MAGA Cohorts want to use as a scapegoat for their racist policies,” said the chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party,” adding “we are denouncing these dangerous and defamatory comments by taking action.

“Please join us in knocking doors to get out the vote in Long Island…on September 28th and in Rockland County, in Spring Valley on October 5th in these major Haitian Communities,” she said.

“Get out and vote if you want to make change. The best way to make your voice be heard is at the ballot box. Your vote, and your voice, truly matters, and we need you to create the change for a fair future for our Haitian brothers and sisters,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.

On Thursday, New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, stood in solidarity with the Haitian community in “Little Haiti” in Brooklyn at a rally to confront “the hateful and dangerous rhetoric that has been weaponized” against the Haitian people.

“As the Council Member for the 45th District, born to Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, it is deeply personal for me to witness the harm caused by reckless statements from individuals like JD Vance and Donald Trump. Their inflammatory lies have directly led to bomb threats against schools in Ohio, putting innocent lives in danger.

“It is absolutely despicable that, in 2024, Haitian communities continue to be targeted by such vicious attacks. The fear-mongering against our people—who have played a critical role in building this country, has provoked violence and threatens the safety of our children both in Ohio and right here in New York.

“We must stand united and reject this hate, ensuring that no community is subjected to violence or dehumanization because of false, divisive rhetoric,” Louis said, warning that “this  issue transcends state lines, and New York must remain vigilant.

“JD Vance and Donald Trump have shown that their only priority is to divide our country, but we will not be silent. We will fight back to protect our communities from further harm, and demand accountability for those who incite this violence.”

Healthcare workers employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home care and community-based settings in Brooklyn and Long Island stood in solidarity with the Haitian community in denouncing what they described as “Trump’s racist attacks against Haitians.”

The union said healthcare workers are demanding that Trump and Vance should “stop spreading their politics of hate and division”.

Earlier this week, New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro condemned what he characterized as “the racist and xenophobic narrative” circulating about Haitian immigrants in Springfield.

“Lies like this are intended to divide us. They stoke fear and put our Haitian neighbors in danger. Haitian New Yorkers contribute every day to the vibrancy and strength of our city.

“We stand in solidarity with all Haitian serving organizations here in New York City, and across the country and demand that this narrative be removed from all social media platforms.

“MOIA will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every Haitian in our community feels supported and valued, today and always,” Castro said.