A new push by Bloomberg to settle migrants in Republican-leaning counties is raising suspicions among conservatives. The media outlet, founded by Democrat donor Michael Bloomberg, suggests that settling migrants in these areas could help local economies, but critics argue the real goal is to shift voter demographics in favor of Democrats.
Bloomberg’s report highlights that in 2023, 72% of migrants settled in counties that voted for President Joe Biden, while fewer migrants moved to Trump-voting counties. The report calls for more migrants to be placed in Republican-leaning areas, which has sparked fears of political manipulation.
While Bloomberg claims these migrants won’t be voting in 2024, conservatives worry about illegal voting. Past elections have seen noncitizens casting ballots due to poor voter registration oversight, and some fear it could happen again.
Supporters of settling migrants in red counties argue that they could fill gaps in the workforce and provide much-needed tax revenue. They claim that struggling local economies would benefit from the cheap labor that migrants provide. However, critics say this will only lead to lower wages and an increased strain on local services.
Springfield, Ohio, is a prime example of how an influx of migrants can affect a community. The arrival of many Haitian migrants has caused housing costs to rise sharply, and local services are struggling to keep up with the increased demand.
The push to place migrants in Republican-leaning areas is seen by many as a way to undermine the GOP’s voter base. Immigration continues to be a divisive issue, with Republicans calling for stricter policies and Democrats advocating for more open borders and lenient immigration rules.
