Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy hosted a town hall in Springfield, Ohio, to address concerns about a surge in Haitian migrants. Ramaswamy met with city officials and community leaders to discuss the impact of the influx on education, healthcare, and social services.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, brought his concern for his Ohio hometown to a town hall in Springfield, which has been at the center of a migrant crisis. Ramaswamy, who grew up near Springfield, met with city officials and Haitian community leaders to understand firsthand the impact of the influx of 20,000 migrants on the city's resources.
"For me, this is close to home," said Ramaswamy. "I've gone to Mike & Rosie's, probably bought more subs from there than I can remember. I used to play tennis every summer at Wittenberg in a program every time when I was growing up. That's where we would come."
Vivek Ramaswamy: Springfield Migrant Crisis Affects My Ohio Hometown
The migrant influx, primarily Haitian migrants granted legal status under the Biden administration's parole program, has strained Springfield's education and healthcare systems, as well as social services. The city's population has swelled by nearly one-third as a result of the migrants' arrival.
"I wanted to hear 360 degrees, all perspectives," said Ramaswamy ahead of the town hall. "I don't blame the people who live here. I blame the federal policies that created the conditions that are causing people in this community to suffer."
Vivek Ramaswamy: Springfield Migrant Crisis Affects My Ohio Hometown
Ramaswamy defended the city officials he met with, refuting accusations that they were ignoring the concerns of their constituents. "I actually think they do care, at least the subset I met with," said Ramaswamy. "But I will tell you what I do see happening in the country. I think there's a culture of fear, actually."
Residents at the town hall expressed concerns about safety and crime, accusing city officials of not caring about their plight. Ramaswamy acknowledged their fears, blaming the federal government's failure to address the issue.
Vivek Ramaswamy: Springfield Migrant Crisis Affects My Ohio Hometown
"These are just good, patriotic Americans who love their country and city who are struggling, because the people who they elected to run their federal government all the way down have let them down," said Ramaswamy. "And you don't have to be scared of actually being face to face with your fellow citizens."
Ramaswamy's town hall comes as Springfield has become a political focal point. In recent weeks, the city has been visited by former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, both of whom have expressed support for the city's residents.
Vivek Ramaswamy: Springfield Migrant Crisis Affects My Ohio Hometown
