Migrants From Haiti Face Struggles When Attempting to Enter the U.S.

 Posted on September 24, 2021 in Immigration

Recently, news sources in the United States have been reporting on a humanitarian crisis on the border between the U.S. and Mexico. More than 14,000 people who originally came from Haiti have gathered on the south side of the Rio Grande River near Del Rio, Texas, and many have attempted to cross into the United States. The U.S. has closed the border with Mexico, and immigration officials are working to respond to this issue and determine what to do with migrants who have entered the country, as well as those who are hoping to do so.

Haitian Immigrants Hope to Claim Asylum or Receive Refugee Status

Many Haitians have fled their home country following a 2010 earthquake, and more have left in recent months after another recent earthquake and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. These events have led to political unrest that has caused many to fear for their safety. While some migrants left Haiti recently, others had been living in South America before making the attempt to come to the United States.

Because of the dangerous conditions in their home country, many of these immigrants are hoping to claim asylum or enter the country as refugees. However, the U.S. has taken action to deport many of these immigrants. In many cases, these deportations have been based on Title 42, a policy that was put in place by the administration of President Donald Trump. This policy allows for the removal of immigrants without a hearing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in immigration holding facilities, and it has been upheld by the administration of President Joe Biden.

While hundreds of migrants have been deported under Title 42, others have been exempt from this policy, including unaccompanied minors and some families. Some Haitians have also been able to enter the United States through family-based immigration, receiving sponsorship from relatives who currently live in the U.S. This option may offer the most benefits for immigrants, since they are able to stay with loved ones as they work to meet the requirements that will allow them to gain the status of lawful permanent residents and receive Green Cards.

Contact Our Orlando Immigration Attorneys

Haitians and other immigrants who are concerned about their safety may have multiple options, and they will need to take the correct steps to enter the U.S. or prevent deportation. At Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, we work with immigrants and their families to address these issues, provide the proper information to immigration officials, and determine the best options for maintaining legal status in the United States. Contact our Tampa refugee/asylum lawyers at 407-955-5000 to set up a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/09/20/haitian-migrants-del-rio-texas-border-expulsion-what-know/8416939002/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/02/cdc-extends-title-42-policy-allowing-migrant-expulsion-covid-fears/5462849001/

https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/haitian-refugees-staying-with-their-families-in-central-florida