After Trump's comments, a look back at Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake

President Trump’s habit of unrestrained, freewheeling commentary made headlines yet again this week, as multiple news outlets reported that he asked why the U.S. was allowing immigration from “shithole countries.” In reference to Haiti, according to the reports, the president said “Haitians? Why do we need more Haitians?”

Why was Trump talking about Haiti? Eight years ago — on Jan. 12, 2010 — the Caribbean country was devastated by a massive, 7.0 earthquake. The Haitian government said more than 300,000 people died, and around 1.5 million people were displaced.

According to the Associated Press, “The Trump administration announced late last year that it would end a temporary residency permit program that allowed nearly 60,000 citizens from Haiti to live and work in the United States.”

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