During the October 1 vice presidential debate, CBS News moderators muted the microphones of the candidates only once, during a discussion about immigration. The focus was on Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, and whether they were in the US illegally. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized Ohio Senator JD Vance for spreading misinformation about these immigrants. Moderators clarified that most Haitians in Springfield have legal status under temporary protected status. Vance claimed that a phone app allowed illegal migrants to gain legal status, a statement rated mostly false.
It was highlighted that President Joe Biden has created and expanded programs allowing Haitians and other immigrants to live and work in the US temporarily, such as humanitarian parole and temporary protected status. These programs give immigrants lawful status in the US, according to immigration experts. However, they do not provide a pathway to citizenship.
If these protections expire or are terminated, individuals would need to leave the country or face deportation. They would have a right to a removal hearing before an immigration judge to determine if they can stay in the US. Despite the temporary nature of these protections, Haitians with humanitarian parole or temporary protected status are considered to be in the US legally. Hence, Vance’s claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield are “illegal immigrants” is rated false.
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