Haitian migrants face backlash over false narrative.
Over the past week, Springfield, Ohio, has emerged as a hotbed of political activity.
On Monday, the Miami Heat issued a statement defending its Haitian employees amidst the political controversy in Springfield, Ohio.
The Miami Heat staff is a diverse and brilliant mix of vibrant cultures, including many members of the Haitian community, according to the organization. However, a false narrative surrounding them has made innocent people targets of hateful speech and physical threats.
"Our Haitian employees, fans and friends deserve better."
Over the past week, the town of Springfield has been at the center of a political controversy due to allegations that pets have been stolen and consumed, which officials have strongly denied. This has sparked a broader discussion about the difficulties faced by Haitian migrants since their arrival.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, about 20,000 Haitians have arrived in Springfield, a town of 58,000 people, resulting in an increase in crime, mayhem, and car crashes, residents have claimed.
Numerous migrants have arrived in the U.S. under temporary protected status, which enables them to reside and work in the U.S. for a specified duration.
As the number of refugees increased in the city, tensions between the locals and the newcomers began to surface. The situation escalated after an October accident last year, when a school bus carrying dozens of students collided with a minivan, injuring several students and killing one.
Haitian migrants were encouraged by recording artist John Legend, who is from Springfield, to be embraced by the community.
Planet Chronicle' Michael Lee contributed to this report.
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