Crowley Raises Concern Over Deteriorating Situation in Haiti

Crowley Raises Concern Over Deteriorating Situation in Haiti

01/26/06

Washington, DC--As the Congressman from one of the most diverse districts in the United States, and a member of the influential International Relations Committee, Congressman Crowley has been closely following the situation in Haiti with the delay of elections, the inability of the UN mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to bring about civil order and the effect this upheaval has on the imminent deportation of Haitians illegally in the United States.

Congressman Crowley has recently joined his colleagues in sending letters to Secretary Chertoff asking for temporary protective status for Haitians in the United States with unadjusted status, as well as sending a letter to President Bush asking the Administration to intervene in the case of Father Jean-Juste.

Father Jean-Juste's health has recently deteriorated. Medical tests have confirmed that Father Jean-Juste has leukemia, yet doctors believe his condition is treatable and that he should be released from prison to obtain medical treatment.

"I call upon the Haitian government to provide medical treatment to Father Gerard Jean-Juste. It is completely unjust for this priest to be denied humanitarian treatment and allowed to die in prison. In addition, I call upon Secretary Chertoff to halt the deportation of Haitians currently residing in the United States until the country of Haiti has some semblance of security and civil society. To send these immigrants back to Haiti is just plain wrong," said Congressman Crowley.

http://crowley.house.gov/news/record.asp?id=756