Brooklyn, NY—Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the first Haitian-American Legislator elected from NYC, who represents one of the world’s largest Haitian communities, released the following statement rebuking GOP Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance’s disparaging misinformation about Haitian immigrants:
“The disgusting and xenophobic false news being spread online attacking Haitian immigrants is once again being amplified and legitimized by Trump’s campaign, in a pathetic attempt to turn the American people against Haitians and advance inhumane mass deportation policies.
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On X, VP candidate Vance spread bogus ‘reports’ about Haitians, with absurd claims that ‘people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country.’
As Haitians face a spiraling crisis in their homeland – lacking basic resources and living in fear of deadly violence – Haitian-American Elected Officials like myself are working nonstop to provide humanitarian aid, while Trump and Vance are using suffering immigrants as propaganda in their racist rhetoric.
I call for this dangerous misinformation to be removed by X and other social media platforms immediately before this fear-mongering escalates targeted violence. I will continue defending the hard-working immigrant communities across New York – who are less likely to commit crimes than native citizens – as they seek safety and build a better life here.
Let’s not forget that Haitians – who formed the first Black Republic in the world – contributed blood, sweat and tears to shape the United States: their fighting in the Battle of Savannah helped gain our country’s independence, and their Revolution paved the way for the Louisiana Purchase. Today, they serve as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and countless roles bettering our country.
We must remain the beacon of hope and humanity for Haitians and all immigrants.”
