In support of Haitian immigrants

Pax Christi USA has endorsed a new letter to President Biden, Vice President Harris, and other members of the administration, expressing our outrage about the recent remarks aimed at the Haitian community in Springfield, OH. These falsehoods perpetuate discrimination and violence against a marginalized community, and are antithetical to our Christian call to welcome the stranger and to treat all as beloved children of God.

Use this link to read the letter. It was drafted and circulated by the Haitian Bridge Alliance, Family Action Network Movement, Florida Immigrant Coalition, UndocuBlack Network, and Human Rights First.

“As leaders of this administration,” the letter states, “you have the responsibility to not merely condemn these harmful narratives but also to implement policies that reflect a commitment to human rights and justice. This has been a particularly difficult time for the Haitian-American community to contend with the violent repercussions of this harmful narrative, as they are continuing to be concerned with the ongoing crisis in Haiti, which has left communities and families devastated in the country. We call on your administration to take the following immediate actions that would protect Haitian migrants in Springfield and across the country:

“Implement a moratorium on deportations by air or sea to Haiti: Former President Trump has vowed to deport Haitian immigrants, specifically in Springfield, Ohio, if elected. Unfortunately, despite condemning President Trump’s statements, this current administration is carrying out the very actions that President Trump has promised—continuing deportations of Haitians across the country. Many of the Haitians targeted by Trump’s vitriol arrived in the US through the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) parole program, while others are here under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because the US itself has recognized that Haiti is not a safe place to deport anyone to.

“.. As a nation that prides itself on being a beacon of freedom and human rights, the US is failing to live up to its own values by deporting Haitians back to a country overwhelmed by political instability, violence, and humanitarian disaster. International law, specifically the 1951 Refugee Convention, prohibits refoulement—the return of refugees to places where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. We urge this administration to implement a moratorium on deportations to Haiti until the political, health, and safety situation in the country improves to acceptable international standards. …”

Use this link to read the entire letter and the rest of the policy demands.

Ohio Catholic bishops issue open letter in support of Haitian immigrants

Pax Christi USA was heartened to see a letter published by the Catholic bishops of Ohio, reminding their flock of the danger of unchecked and false social media. They also gave a clear reiteration of the Church’s commitment to migrants and refugees: “Today, we witness newcomers to our dioceses who have escaped extreme violence and poverty and are seeking work to support themselves and their families. Some are Catholic, some are not, but all are welcome in our parishes, and all are individuals loved by God. What is our duty, as Catholics, to ensure all segments of our society, including our political leaders, view newcomers first as children of God while understanding the need to enforce reasonable limits to legal immigration? Do we ask ourselves how we would want to be received if forced to flee our homes?

“… Our Haitian brothers and sisters in Springfield have been granted ‘Temporary Protected Status,’ a humane federal program that protects foreign nationals from deportation to unsafe home countries. Like all people, these Haitians should be afforded the respect and dignity that are theirs by right and allowed the ability to contribute to the common good. The recent influx of so many migrants in a brief time has caused a strain on the city’s resources. We applaud all those community groups working hard to advance the flourishing of Springfield, given the need to integrate newcomers into the social fabric. If we remain true to our principles, we can have a dialogue about immigration without scapegoating groups of people for societal issues beyond their control.”

The letter was signed by the 10 Catholic bishops of Ohio; it is available to read in its entirety here on the Catholic Conference of Ohio website.

Photo used with Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.