Conspiracy Theories on Immigration Gain Traction in Ohio

Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, recently defended his controversial assertions regarding immigration and crime, citing the film "Gangs of New York" as a reference point. During a campaign event in Milwaukee, Vance reiterated his belief that historical waves of immigration, particularly from Italy, Ireland, and Germany, have contributed to increased crime and ethnic conflict in the United States. He stated, “We know that when you have these massive ethnic enclaves forming in our country, it can sometimes lead to higher crime rates,” while referencing the film's depiction of gang violence. Vance's comments have drawn criticism for lacking empirical support. When pressed for evidence, a campaign spokesperson pointed to a report from an anti-immigration think tank, which claims that crimes committed by immigrants are often underreported. However, demographic experts and studies have consistently shown no significant correlation between immigration and crime rates, with many studies indicating that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. The narrative surrounding immigration has been further fueled by former President Donald Trump and Vance, who have suggested that Democrats are facilitating illegal immigration to secure votes. This claim has been widely debunked by election officials, who assert that instances of voter fraud involving noncitizens are exceedingly rare. Despite the lack of evidence, the rhetoric continues to resonate with certain voter segments, particularly in Ohio, where demographic changes have led to the proliferation of conspiracy theories regarding immigration. As the campaign progresses, Vance's reliance on cinematic references to support his claims raises questions about the validity of his arguments and the broader implications for immigration policy in the United States.