Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy held a town hall meeting Thursday evening in Springfield, Ohio, aiming to foster open dialogue about the contentious issue of immigration. The event comes as Springfield has become a focal point in the 2024 election, particularly regarding the influx of Haitian migrants.
“We’ve been told, mostly by the media, to shut up, sit down, and sweep it under the rug,” Ramaswamy stated, emphasizing the need for honest discussion. “The truth is we don’t have to agree on everything, but we should be able to talk about it openly.”
The town hall, attended by around 200 residents with an additional 100 in an overflow area, took place at a local banquet venue. Prior to the event, Ramaswamy met with city officials and Haitian community leaders, acknowledging the challenges posed by federal policies under the Biden-Harris administration. He expressed understanding for the Haitian migrants’ desire to come to the U.S. but criticized the current immigration system.
Residents voiced their concerns about the impact of the migrant influx on Springfield. Chrissy, a long-time resident, challenged local officials for not facilitating more public forums to address community issues. “How will you know about a city if you’re not bringing the people together?” she asked.
Ramaswamy responded by establishing ground rules for the evening: “Our ground rules for tonight are honesty and respect for your fellow citizens.”
The event highlighted the divisions surrounding immigration policy, with Ramaswamy seeking to create a space for dialogue in a city navigating significant demographic changes.
