Springfield native John Legend defends migrants in hometown as job seekers with ‘dietary preferences’ – Washington Examiner
Administration, we’ve seen an influx of new residents who are looking for work, new opportunities, and a better life. They are not taking jobs from anyone; they are filling gaps that our community has desperately needed,” Legend stated.
John Legend emphasized that the newcomers are contributing positively to Springfield’s economy. He articulated that rather than being a burden, they represent a chance for revitalization in a city that has experienced population decline over the years. His remarks come against a backdrop of heightened tensions and misinformation regarding migrant activity, particularly following inflammatory statements from public figures.
In the discussion on social media, Legend encouraged Springfield residents to embrace the new arrivals, suggesting that these Haitian migrants could help reverse the trend of out-migration that has affected the city for decades. He called upon the community to recognize their value and to work towards an inclusive environment that fosters economic growth and cultural diversity.
The singer’s comments received mixed reactions online, reflecting the polarized views on immigration and local economic changes. However, many supporters praised Legend for his advocacy and for using his platform to highlight this issue.
As Springfield navigates these demographic changes, the contributions of residents—new and old alike—remain pivotal in shaping the city’s future.
Springfield native John Legend defends migrants in hometown as job seekers with ‘dietary preferences’
Singer John Legend, a supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, defended the Haitians flooding into his hometown of Springfield, Ohio, as job seekers following reports that the migrants were eating the town’s ducks and animals.
Thousands of Haitian immigrants have arrived in Springfield in the last few years, and Legend took to Instagram on Thursday to say they came to fill needed jobs through the Biden-Harris administration.
“Our city had been shrinking for decades. We didn’t have enough jobs. We didn’t have enough opportunity. So, people left and went somewhere else,” he said. “When I was there, we had upwards of 75,000 people and, in the last five years, we were down to like 60,000 people.”
“But of late, under the Biden administration, there have been more jobs that opened up … more manufacturing jobs, more plants, factories, that need employees and were ready to hire people,” he said.
Haitian immigrants fleeing “upheaval and turmoil” came to fill those jobs through the federal government, according to Legend.
“We had about 15,000 or so immigrants to my town of 60,000,” he said. “Now, you might say, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of people for a town that only had 60,000. That’s a 25% increase!’ That is correct.”
Challenges with integrating the new population have arrived, including “dietary preferences,” he said.
“The bottom line is these people came to Springfield because there were jobs for them, and they were willing to work,” according to Legend. “They wanted to live the American dream.”
“So, I think all of us need to have the same kind of grace that we would want our ancestors to have when they moved here with our Haitian brothers and sisters who move here, too,” the singer added.
“Nobody’s eating cats. Nobody’s eating dogs. We all just want to live and flourish and raise our families in a healthy and safe environment,” he said.
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