December 11, 2023
Contact: Paola Luisi, pluisi@haitianbridge.org

San Diego, California— The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), in collaboration with the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON), strongly urge the Biden Administration and the United States Congress to reject legislative proposals in the spending package that seek to undermine the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and international law. The proposals contain permanent and harmful asylum and parole changes that are deeply concerning and would separate families, harm children, and return vulnerable people to dangerous situations.

In particular, the Senate is seeking to make the following changes:
Transit Bans
National Expulsion & Visa Suspension Authority
Elimination of Nearly All Immigration Parole Authority
Mandatory Incarceration of All People/Families Seeking Asylum, Leading to Remain in Mexico
Mass Expansion of Expedited Removal to Everyone into the Interior
Numerical Caps on Asylum & Mandates on Asylum Refusal

“Legislation that aims to create unlawful barriers to asylum and restrict the president’s authority on humanitarian parole pose a risk to the very foundations of our immigration system, which has long been a symbol of hope and opportunity for countless individuals seeking refuge and a better life in the United States,” stated Guerline Jozef, Executive Director at the Haitian Bridge Alliance. We ask President Joseph Biden to maintain his campaign promise that he would restore the soul of America and reject the proposals .”It is imperative that we stand united against any racist, draconian, and inhumane measures that compromise the values of compassion, justice, and humanity that form the bedrock of our nation.”

The National Haitian American Elected Officials Network, a respected organization representing the interests of the Haitian American community in various levels of government, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and just approach to immigration reform.

“As elected officials dedicated to serving our communities, we are committed to advocating for policies that respect the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status,” remarked Charnette Frederic, Chairwoman at NHEAON. “We call on the Biden Administration and Congress to prioritize solutions that uphold the values of fairness, equity, and compassion in shaping the future of our immigration system.”

The Haitian Bridge Alliance and NHEAON remain actively engaged in efforts to protect the rights and well-being of immigrants and refugees, underscoring the importance of a compassionate and just immigration framework.