Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the Haitian Border Situation
Style Magazine Newswire | 9/20/2021, 3:01 p.m.
"This year Haitians have witnessed the assassination of their President and another debilitating earthquake that has affected over 800,000 people and killed thousands.”
“Many of the individuals that fled to the US Southern border are attempting to escape political oppression, persecution, instability and state failure. Haitians are among some of the most vulnerable people in the world. For decades, Haiti has been and remains one of the poorest countries in the world.”
“These migrants will be returned to Haiti, Mexico, Ecuador, and Northern Triangle countries. We have a duty and an obligation to increase humanitarian aid to these countries. Further, we must exercise an humanitarian aid approach towards the Haitian people that helps stabilize the US Southern border.”
“Even as the Biden Administration uses Title 42, continued from the previous Administration, there still must be a legitimate attempt to hear from the Haitians on our border who are seeking asylum based on credible fear of returning to their home country.”
“I am calling on the Biden Administration to continue to send additional personnel, as they’re already doing to the border region, including to Del Rio or to Eagle Pass, and to give the migrants the opportunity for legitimate claims to be heard regarding whether or not these families can be admitted. I’m grateful to the Biden Administration for responding to what may be a few unaccompanied children and providing them with the resources they need.”
“Finally, I expect to travel to the Southern Border, where the Haitians are located. I have frequently travelled to Haiti over the years, through the crises it has faced, including political and natural disasters. The Haitian people have a strong relationship with the United States. This situation must be handled with the dignity and compassion that the Biden Administration is working on.”

