Speakers discussed the impact of TPS and DACA cancellations and a recent DHS notification that Haitian nationals can no longer apply for H-2A or H-2B temporary work visas
A Facebook Live of the press conference is available on the Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami fan page
Miami, FL — In a press conference this morning, Haitian community activists, Miami advocates, and TPS holders urged legislators to support a bipartisan bill that would create a path to citizenship for both TPS holders and Dreamers.
Said Marleine Bastien, Executive Director of Haitian Women of Miami Inc (FAMN):
Since President Trump failed to fulfill his promise to our communities— Haitian, Salvadoran, Nicaraguan, Honduran, and the Dreamers— we are asking Congress to act. The time is now, because by tomorrow it will be too late.
Said Randy McGrorty, Executive Director of the Archdiocese of Miami’s Catholic Legal Services:
It is time to acknowledge the contributions of the Haitian community, both in Miami and across the country, and allow them to remain here with permanent status. They have enriched our lives and given us so much, and we need to acknowledge that by giving them a pathway to citizenship. We are at a point in the Congressional calendar where we can do just that. We need bipartisan legislation to ensure that all TPS holders and DACA recipients can continue contributing to our economy and country.
Said Wendi Adelson, Executive Director of the IMPAC Fund:
We want to make sure that Congress hears us when we say we are disappointed in what happened. Members of our community are scared and terrorized. Our businesses have the potential of losing valuable workers. The economy stands to lose $260 billion over ten years without DACA recipients and $164 billion without TPS recipients. This doesn’t make any sense for our businesses. This is unfair to our families, and is devastating to our communities in South Florida. We urge our Senators to take a stand and support the members of our state and communities, who are scared about what may happen if Congress doesn’t take action.
Said Jack Lieberman, Haitian Women of Miami Inc (FAMN) boardmember:
The actions of this Administration can no longer be characterized as colorblind or racist. What’s going on now by [keeping Haitian nationals from attaining H-2A or H-2B temporary work visas] is nothing less than racial discrimination. It’s very clear that the only thing we have left to do is what happened in Congress yesterday and in the streets of Miami last night, which is: business can’t go on as usual. We have a government violating basic human rights and carrying out racial discrimination, and we cannot stand by and allow this to happen. Needless to say there will be a blue wave this year unless the Republican Party comes to its senses and speaks out against these racist policies.
Said Farah Larrieux, a Haitian TPS holder and South Florida businesswoman:
I moved to the U.S. in 2005 and have established my business in South Florida, which I now consider my home. Today is a new day. The recent DHS decisions regarding TPS and work permits have caused stress, fear, and frustration, but we are not alone and we know that, thanks to advocacy immigration groups, Haitian American elected officials, and the community at large. But, we have a long journey ahead. In 2018, we will no longer talk about TPS. We will talk about permanent residency. During these midterms elections we — Haitian Americans, Hispanic Americans, African Americans and all ethnic groups— will hold Congress accountable. It’s time to put action to your well-articulated words. We will be watching you and your vote on permanent residency for all TPS recipients and Dreamers.
Said immigration attorney, Ira Kurzban:
This Administration’s animus toward Haitians and Haiti is obvious and open. The President has said bluntly that he does not want Haitians in the U.S. and his stark pattern of racism has been expressed in the termination of Haitians not only from TPS but also yesterday from the H-2B program for no apparent reason.
The Trump Administration cancelled TPS last November for an estimated 50,000 Haitians, most of whom reside in South Florida and are the parents to 27,000 American children. The Administration also cancelled DACA in September, jeopardizing the futures of 800,000 children. A group of six senators, three Republicans and three Democrats, last week introduced a bipartisan plan that would provide permanent solutions for both groups, but Trump rejected the deal.
In addition, on Wednesday, a notice from the Department of Homeland Security lists Haiti as one of three countries whose nationals no longer can apply for H-2A or H-2B temporary work visas.
