ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The blowback from former president Donald Trump’s debunked claim about immigrants “eating pets” continues to raise an outcry in New Jersey, with a flurry of proposed state laws being pitched in the wake of the controversy.
If you’re following the 2024 presidential election, you’ve probably heard the now-infamous claim about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, which Trump made during his debate with vice president Kamala Harris.
Local officials have roundly dismissed the rumors, with no evidence supporting the claim that dogs and cats are being consumed in Springfield. Ohio governor Mike DeWine – a Republican – has bluntly called the rumor “a piece of garbage that was simply not true.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s vice-presidential candidate, Vance – who helped to spark the controversy with a social media post a day before the debate – has acknowledged that it’s possible that “all of these rumors will turn out to be false.”
A wave of outraged advocates and Haitian residents across the nation have been decrying the pair’s comments as “racist” – including in Essex County, which is home to one of the highest percentages of Haitian immigrants and Haitian-Americans in New Jersey.
Last week, New Jersey Sen. Britnee Timberlake (NJ-34) and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (NJ-29) introduced a package of proposed laws that are intended to help ease an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti (see the list below).
In June, the Biden Administration announced an 18-month extension of temporary protected status for more than 300,000 unauthorized migrants from Haiti living in the United States. While not a permanent legal status, TPS protects against deportation and allows migrants to get a work permit, among other benefits.
According to a notice in the Federal Register, officials say Haiti continues to experience several serious crises, including deadly gang violence, a lack of economic opportunity and shortages of health care, food and water.
“These circumstances continue to make return to Haiti dangerous for Haitian nationals living in the United States,” the notice states.
Timberlake and Speight expanded on the nation’s recent struggles in a joint statement:
“Haiti has faced a string of catastrophic events over the past decades, from the devastating 2010 earthquake to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. This has triggered widespread violence and insecurity, forcing many Haitians to seek refuge in countries like the United States. However, asylum denial rates for Haitian migrants remain high, leaving many undocumented and without access to critical services.”
According to Timberlake and Speight, here’s what their package of bills would do if they cross the finish line:
Haitian Migrant Assistance Program, Senate Bill S3197 – The Haitian Migrant Assistance Program requires the Department of Human Services to provide essential social services and financial aid to undocumented Haitian migrants who have been residing in New Jersey for at least two years. These services include access to housing assistance, employment-related case management, legal referrals, and language support, among others.
New Jersey-Haiti Commission, Senate Bill S3199 – In addition to the assistance program, S3199 establishes the New Jersey-Haiti Commission. This commission will advise the governor and Legislature on strengthening cultural and economic ties between New Jersey and Haiti, while also addressing the specific needs of the Haitian American community in the state.
Data collection of Haitian Migrants in NJ, Assembly Bill A1993 – Assembly bill A1993 directs the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services to manage the collection of data on Haitian migrants in New Jersey, no matter their documentation status, from various sources such as federal, State, and local governments, and non-profit organizations.
Resolution urging Congress to provide aid to Haitian migrants, Assembly Resolution AR 65 – Assembly resolution AR65 urges Congress to provide aid to the migrants of Haiti. This resolution urges Congress to provide support to front-line organizations that work to aid Haitian migrants who were dislocated, detained, and expelled as they sought asylum and safety at the U.S. border.
The lawmakers said they are working in collaboration with East Orange City Councilman Bergson Leneus, the first Haitian American councilman in the city, and Haitian American organizations around the state such as the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON), New Jersey for Haiti and the Haitian Pastors Association.
Timberlake and Speight said the bills are coming at a critical time, calling Trump’s remarks during the debate “hate-filled” and “xenophobic.”
Timberlake said the issue is deeply personal: her husband and other family members are Haitian American.
“Trump’s hate speech in general, but also about Haitians, is not just offensive—it’s dangerous,” the senator said. “His words unfortunately have the power to incite violence and put people’s lives at risk. We have already seen the harmful effects of anti-immigrant sentiments across the nation, and now – more than ever – we must take action to protect all communities and combat the bigotry that threatens everyone’s safety by affirming our shared humanity.”
Speight said that people of Haitian descent have revitalized local economies and enriched their communities, including in her home district.
“To see Haitian Americans vilified in such a hateful and xenophobic manner is not just wrong; it’s a betrayal of the values this country was founded upon and should uphold,” the assemblywoman said.
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