Protect Haitian Asylum Seekers
Department of Homeland Security & The Biden Administration
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For decades, U.S. immigration policies have had a disparate impact on Black immigrants. Despite efforts to reform immigration, many of these policies continue to reflect and perpetuate racial biases. The treatment of Haitian refugees and immigrants has been a glaring example of this injustice.
Haiti is currently experiencing a dire situation, with rampant insecurity and violence driven by gang conflicts. This has resulted in significant disruptions, including attempts by gangs to take control of Haiti's main airport, impacting flights and leading to a state of emergency and curfew being declared. Vital infrastructure has been targeted, including attacks on prisons and threats of violence against the police and government members. More than 160,000 people are displaced in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and the vast majority of people are facing famine.
This has led Haitians with no other alternative to continue to flee for safety and livelihood. Yet amidst the chaos and foreseeable international intervention, the Biden-Harris administration continues to deport asylum seekers to Haiti. The current policies not only continue the legacy of systemic racism but also exacerbate the vulnerabilities of Black immigrant communities.
Haitian asylum seekers deserve protections. The Administration needs to know that we are watching.
In 2021, President Biden issued a statement echoing that the United States remains a close and enduring 'friend' to Haitians. Today, we request your help to hold the administration to their word and:
Stop all Deportation Flights amidst possible international military intervention, which will inevitably lead to an increase in violence and chaos. The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals back to places where they face severe threats to their life or freedom, supports this stance.
Release Haitians from detention centers due to the humanitarian and safety concerns associated with returning them to Haiti and the traumatizing treatment of asylum seekers within these centers
Petition by
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Department of Homeland Security & The Biden Administration
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[Your Name]
In 2021, President Biden issued a statement echoing the United States remains a close and enduring 'friend' to Haitians. During his campaign visit in Little Haiti, Florida, Biden claimed, "There will be no quit on my part as your President, making sure the Haitian community has an even shot of getting back on its feet and moving toward realizing its incredible potential." He also said, "I promise you, I give you my words that I will be there and stand with you…"
Today, we demand that the Administration’s promises are honored and that it:
Releases Haitians from detention centers due to the humanitarian and safety concerns associated with returning them to Haiti and the traumatizing treatment of asylum seekers within these centers
Stop all Deportation Flights amidst possible international military intervention which will lead to an even further increase of violence and chaos. The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals back to places where they face severe threats to their life or freedom, supports this stance.
Signed,
The UndocuBlack Network
Communities United for Status and Protection