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| Do Not Deport to Haiti | December 9, 2008 |
| Susana Barciela & Cheryl Little | |
| (Miami, Dec. 9, 2008) – It is supremely inhumane and damaging to Haiti for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to resume deportations to Haiti while it still struggles to recover from devastating natural disasters. Haiti has yet to begin healing from the devastation wreaked by four hurricanes and tropical storms last August and September. Flooding, hunger, and homelessness are still a problem. Children are dying of malnutrition. Sending deportees who will not find jobs or shelter only impedes recovery efforts and increases the misery for all Haiti. Cheryl Little, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center’s executive director, denounced the deportations: “How can this nation in good conscience send children and families to face the terrible conditions that exist in Haiti? Where will they live? How will they eat? What will happen to a child who gets sick? People could die because of this decision.” ICE said the decision was made to resume deportations “based on the circumstances in Haiti.” Yet, as The Miami Herald noted, little has improved in Haiti except the roads have been cleared. Tens of thousands of people remain homeless, areas are still flooded, and food is in short supply. Instead of resuming deportations, the U.S. government should formally stop deportations until Haiti gets back on its feet. Given the catastrophic aftermath of recent storms, the United States should grant Temporary Protected Status. Haitians already in the United States would be able to work legally and send money to relatives on the island. This would speed Haiti’s recovery and provide direct aid to families on the island. About Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) is one of the nation’s largest non-profit agencies providing immigration legal services. FIAC is dedicated to protecting and promoting the basic rights of immigrants of all nationalities. Since its founding in 1996, FIAC’s multilingual and multicultural staff has closed more than 60,000 cases. FIAC has influenced national policies; successfully litigated or otherwise challenged patterns of abuse; and taken a leading role in educating the public about the impact that immigration laws and directives have on our communities. FIAC is nationally recognized as a powerful advocate for immigrants’ rights. FIAC’s Annual Awards Dinner is taking place on February 17, 2009. It will feature keynote speaker Hon. Rosemary Barkett, U.S. Circuit Court, United States Court of Appeals. | |