September 26, 2024

Contact: sjoseph@haitainbridge.org, [email protected] 

HAITIAN BRIDGE ALLIANCE (HBA) STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION’S DECISION TO DEPORT HAITIANS SEEKING SAFETY AND PROTECTION 

San Diego, CA – On September 26, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration deported Haitian nationals, who are primarily seeking asylum. 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. Haiti 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 are not only inhumane but also unconscionable. Just a few weeks ago, the Prime Minister of Haiti expanded state of emergency to the whole country, which further highlights the severity of the insecurity crisis. 

“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 the very lives of Haitians seeking safety and protection, human rights and contradicts the administration’s stated values of compassion and fairness in immigration enforcement, which is unfortunately consistent with policies of the previous administration.”

Earlier this year, 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. While TPS has since been redesignated due to the insecurity and humanitarian crises, the deportations have resumed. In addition, HBA and other groups 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.

“We call on President Biden, Vice-president Harris 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.”