Today is a critical time for the people of Haiti, and the U.S. government must not waiver in its support of Haitians. We must continue to do everything in our power to assure the Haitian people that we do intend to stand by our commitments to them.
As an attorney, judge, and now as a Member of Congress, I have been an outspoken critic of policies linking the dire situations of freedom-seeking Haitian refugees and United States national security. Such practices have no place in U.S. immigration policy. In turn, I have called on the relevant departments within the Executive Branch to end its double standard treatment of Haitian refugees. I have recently and regularly written to President Bush as well as the Department of Homeland Security expressing my grave concern regarding the extremely difficult situation Haitian asylum seekers face when reaching the United States.
Throughout my life, I have been a steadfast supporter of U.S. assistance to Haiti and have fought consistently to ensure fair treatment for Haitian refugees.
At the beginning of the 110th Congress, I re-introduced legislation to make Haitian nationals already in the U.S. eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). I also continue to advocate for legislation that would stop the interdiction and return of Haitian refugees who are fleeing dangerous situations in their native land. Additionally, I continue to support the return of human rights observers to Haiti and the commitment of U.S. dollars to be used as socio-economic and peacekeeping assistance to Haiti. I also call for adjusted immigration status of Haitians who were provided refuge in the U.S. to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
If we as Americans truly support the growth of worldwide democracy, then we cannot sit by and watch the hopes of Haitian citizens dwindle and die. I strongly feel that it is most important for Haiti's immediate future to establish peace and security so as to foster the growth of democracy.
I am a humanitarian and a supporter of democracy. I will continue to work for fair and equal treatment of Haitian refugees.