May 25, 2024
Contact: Paige Censale, [email protected] 

San Diego, California – The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) is deeply saddened and outraged by the recent tragic events in the Republic of Haiti, where American missionaries were killed by gangs in Haiti. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this incredibly difficult time. HBA condemns these acts of violence in the strongest terms and calls for immediate action to address the root causes of instability in Haiti.

The senseless killing of those dedicated to humanitarian efforts and the ongoing violence that plagues the Haitian people are stark reminders that we must prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals in Haiti. This includes stopping the illicit flow of weapons into the island from the United States and taking other necessary steps.

As of May 25, 2024, more than 300,00 people have been displaced due to gang violence in Haiti. Supporting efforts to restore peace, security, and justice is imperative and those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable.

The reality is that Haiti is facing a dire humanitarian and insecurity crises, “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 respect for the rule of law and its commitment to restore the soul of America”.

Although the Biden-Harris administration has designated Haiti as a level 4, do not travel, since last year, on March 10, 2024, U.S. Marines flew helicopters into Port-au-Prince in the middle of the night to airlift non-essential embassy personnel and to bolster embassy security, Just last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged that crises in Haiti had created “an untenable situation” for Haitian people. Yet, as recent as May 16, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration authorized a deportation flight to Haiti, despite the glaring lack of safety there. 

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.