May 16, 2024
Contact: Paige Censale, pcensale@haitianbridge.org 

San Diego, California – Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) strongly condemns the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to deport Haitians seeking asylum from the United States to Haiti on May 16, 2024. This action starkly contradicts the administration’s proclaimed commitment to human rights and immigration reform.

Continued deportation flights to Haiti underscores a deeply troubling policy that places vulnerable individuals in grave danger. The island is currently grappling with severe political instability, rampant violence, and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by natural disasters and economic turmoil. Deporting individuals to such an environment is not only inhumane but also unconscionable. On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, in collaboration with Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), organized a press conference. They were joined by immigrant advocates and representatives from other congressional offices to urge the Biden administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and provide Humanitarian Assistance for Haiti.

“We are appalled by the Biden administration’s decision to continue deportations to Haiti, despite the clear and present dangers these individuals face upon their return,” said Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance. “This policy reflects a blatant disregard for human rights and contradicts the administration’s stated values of compassion and fairness in immigration enforcement.”

Last month, Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) and over 450 immigration, human rights, faith-based, and civil rights organizations sent a letter to the Biden administration urging the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and a moratorium on deportations. In addition, we requested the immediate release of detained Haitians and administrative closure of removal cases, expedited processing for the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program and the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) parole program, and other pathways that will assist Haitians to safely and legally seek protection in the United States.

HBA urges the Biden administration to immediately halt all deportation flights to Haiti and to provide Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals residing in the United States. The current conditions in Haiti meet the criteria for TPS designation, which would offer much-needed protection and stability to thousands of Haitians who have built their lives in the U.S. and continue to contribute to the American economy.

“We call on President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to take immediate action to protect Haitian immigrants and those seeking asylum and to end these cruel and unnecessary deportations,” continued Jozef. “Our community deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive without the constant threat of deportation.”