Dear John,

There are a lot of harmful myths about immigrants circulating right now.

Some of the worst claims are coming out of Springfield, Ohio, about Haitian immigrants, The American Immigration Council has always stood up to combat misinformation—so we’re here to set the record straight.

• Myth: Haitian migrants living in Springfield, Ohio are in the United States illegally.
  

• Fact: Most Haitian migrants living in Springfield are living and working there legally under Temporary Protected Status. The U.S. government issues TPS to certain nationals whose countries are experiencing ongoing turmoil that makes their return dangerous or impossible. Haiti has been gripped by gang violence, political unrest, and devastating earthquakes in recent years, so many Haitians have been granted this temporary immigration status.

• Myth: Immigrant workers displace U.S. workers and reduce wages
• Fact: Immigration benefits American workers, correlating to more jobs and higher wages for U.S.-born workers. Immigrants in Ohio are vital to the state’s economy. They make up over 6% of the labor force, accounting for 8% of entrepreneurs, nearly 12% of STEM workers, and 5% of nurses in the state.

• Myth: Crime rates go up when immigrants move in.
• Fact: Immigration is associated with lower crime rates, making communities safer. Immigrants are also less likely to commit crimes than native-born residents.

The misinformation and myths that have been dominating the public discussion about immigration has led to threats against immigrants. The truth is immigrants and immigration enrich our nation! 

With your support, the Council serves as the antidote to misinformation, leading the way as a trusted resource on immigration.

Please help us raise $5,000 by the end of September to help create a nation where immigrants are embraced.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Robbins

Executive Director

P.S. I encourage you to share this information with those in your life who are seeking a trusted resource for facts on immigration. And I hope you’ll consider a gift of support to the Council, to help fuel our work combatting misinformation and uplifting immigrant perspectives.