16 SEP 2021

Immigration Hub Statement: Deportations to Haiti Must Stop

Washington, DC — Yesterday, eighty-six Haitians were reportedly deported to Haiti. The country is currently facing the effects of a recent earthquake and the assassination of its president. In May 2021, the Biden Administration designated Haiti for TPS, recognizing that a growing political crisis, serious security concerns, and an increase in human rights abuses, among other factors, prevented Haitian nationals from safely returning. The Biden Administration immediately released funds to support Haiti’s people in the aftermath of the earthquake and pledged an additional $32 million on August 24 to support their recovery. However, dire conditions in Haiti continue to worsen, further underscoring the need to halt deportations of Haitians seeking refuge and safety at our borders.

Just as the United States halted deportations in 2010, the Biden Administration should follow suit, prioritize humanitarian relief over increased enforcement, and instruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately suspend deportations and expulsions to Haiti indefinitely. The Haitian government’s ability to safely receive its citizens will take months, if not years, to secure. Furthermore, consistent with Sec. 241 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the accompanying regulations at 8 CFR Sec. 241.5, Haitians with final removal orders should be released from immigration detention if they pose no threat to public safety or national security because there is no significant likelihood of their safe removal in the reasonably foreseeable future.

The following statement was issued by Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub:

"The conditions in Haiti are terrible and heartbreaking. Deporting Haitian children and families back to a country that is reeling from the devastating impacts of a natural disaster and political crisis is wrong. President Biden made a commitment to address the cruelty and senselessness of America's immigration system, and has made progress reversing egregious policies of the past and leading with smart solutions and bold ideas. These deportations undermine that work. Immigrants and refugees make our country stronger. It's critical that the Biden administration ensure America provides Haitian individuals and families an opportunity to seek refuge and safety."

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.