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immigration - Haiti Observer Blog

immigration, Haiti Observer Blog. Read the following articles about immigration


 

Marleine Bastien, on the Frontlines of Immigration Reform

Marleine Bastien, born in rural Pont-Benoit, Haiti, is a champion of immigrant rights. Her calling in life came early; when at the tender age of eight, she was already ministering to underfed and cast-off children at a Deschapelles medical facility. Her father, a rice and mango grower, was her biggest influence, a self-taught medic, who provided medical treatment to suffering village people.

Marleine Bastien did more than provide food aid and a comforting presence; she also helped them become literate. The biggest reward for her was when a child, who was so frail they couldn't manage a smile, beamed at her.

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Haitian - Dominican in talk about Regularization of Illegal Aliens

Since the Dominican Republic (DR) Constitutional Court issued a ruling Dominicans of Haitian descent and the progeny of illegal immigrants are no longer citizens of the DR, the international community has been in an uproar. Haiti made no public comment on the matter until last week.

After a CARICOM meeting, President Martelly and CARICOM Chairman, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, held a press conference to discuss the situation. Martelly was emphatic Haiti would never cut ties in trade with the Dominican Republic. He said Haiti and the DR share the island of Hispaniola, and enacting a trade embargo would not benefit either nation. Trade revenue with the DR amounts to nearly two billion yearly.

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18 more Haitians dead as ship capsizes in Turks and Caicos Islands

Tragedy once again among Haitians guilty only for attempting to get a better life for their family. According to a upi.com, at least 18 Haitians migrants perished at sea when their boat capsized near Turks and Caicos Islands

The accident happened after Turks and Caicos marine branch police captured the boat and was towing it to a port. It was reported by the Caribbean Journal that 32 people were rescued by Turks and Caicos; however for 18, nothing could be done before they all drowned.

The last incident where Haitian boat people died at sea took place just one Month ago. In November, more than 30 people died when their boat sank off the Bahamas.

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The Militarization of Haiti-Dominican Republic Border

Haiti is separated with Dominican Republic by long uneven crooked teeth like barricade on the Massacre River. The armed Dominican border guards sit and stare blankly at the opposite bank from their assigned posts. On the other side of the river, the Haitian women wash clothes on rocks and innocent children splash in the water. CESFRONT is the name of Specialized Dominican Republic's Border Security Force. It was established in 2006 with a purpose to restrict the entry of illegal migrants crossing Haitian-Dominican border.

CESFRONT is an extension of U.S Homeland Department's Security of Customs and Border Protection with technical advice and expertise support to promote "strong borders" abroad as part of U.S war against global terror. Militarized borders are becoming more common all over the world, especially in regions with US influence. U.S quick response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti is a good example on how border associated fears on mass immigration can deploy proactive protective measures. The fact that remains behind these quick, strong defensive measures is that U.S border is no more static. Their homeland security is no more restricted within their homeland--it is international and continuously moving. Washington is making every efforts to "push out" its boundary enforcement regime--an initiative that has roots much deeper than 9/11.

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Cheryl Little Stands for Children in Miami-Dade

Cheryl Little is a heroine to immigrants in Miami-Dade. The immigrant community turned out to honor her during the Ninth Annual Champions for Children Ceremony. Seven grade-school girls adorned in ethnic denim dresses and scarves performed a dance to celebrate the event.

Little has worked persistently on behalf of the rights of immigrant families for almost 30 years. In recognition of her contributions, she received the David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award. This award, given out every year, is named for David Lawrence Jr., nationally recognized as a pre-school education advocate and the ex-publisher of the Miami Herald.

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At least 254 Haitians migrants dead at sea within past 5 years

Here is just a quick estimate of the number of Haitians who perished at sea while attempting to leave Haiti. The actual number is likely to be much greater. Just keep in mind that these people have only been trying to have a better life or provide for their family.

On May 4, 2007, it was reported that at least 61 Haitians migrants die at sea near Providenciales in Turks and Caicos Islands. The sailboat was carrying over 160 people.

On April 20, 2008: 22 Haitians died when a Speedboat carrying over 25 Haitian migrants sank near Nassau, Bahamas as they were attempting to reach the coast of Florida.

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Dominican officials say no to future meetings with Haitians

Officials in the Dominican Republic have decided no longer to meet with Haitian authorities to talk about the recent court ruling in their country. I don't know if the decision from CARICOM to cancel the recent application of Dominican Republic to join the organization has anything to do with it; however, this sounds like they really feel it.

Since the Dominican Republic has decided to remove the citizenship of some of its population because of their link to Haiti nothing have been effective in making them reconsider their racism act. The decision of CARICOM to defer their request to become a member of the trade bloc certainly catches their attention.

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10 Haitian died in overloaded boat in the Bahamas

According to Reuters, at least 10 Haitian migrants were killed as a result of a sinking boat in the Bahamas

The U.S. Coast Guard reported on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 that rescuers fought to save over 100 Haitians who were attempting to reach the US coasts in a 40-foot (12-metre), sail-powered freighter.

The ship capsized near Staniel Cay in a location in central Bahamas on Monday night.

Thirteen survivors were taken aboard a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in direction to Staniel Cay for treatment.

The cause of the accident was unknown and will be investigated by Bahamian authorities

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Haitian-American Elsie Saint-Louis in Bill de Blasio transition team

The new Mayor elected in New York, Bill de Blasio, has assembled a total of 60 individuals to be part of his Transition group and one prominent Haitian-American is part of this team.

Haitian-American community leader Elsie Saint-Louis has been selected to be one of the advisors helping the incoming New York mayor craft his administration.

Elsie Saint Louis has been the Executive Director of Haitian-Americans United for Progress for many years. She has been very vocal in addressing the needs and concerns of the Haitian immigrant community in New York City over the years.

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Haiti Dominican border, an expansion of US border enforcement

Since the 9/11, the world has changed and the US has redefined "border enforcement" to combat terrorism against American interests in a whole new way. In that sense, the American homeland is the entire planed.

How does this affect us?

I am glad you asked that question.

Currently, US Border Patrol Agents are implementing Haiti - Dominican Republic border enforcement. The enforcement model that has been used by the Dominican Republic with Haiti was designed in United States.

Now between Haiti and Dominican Republic, you have Specialized Border Security guards, carrying assault rifle to petrol the border. This falls into the US policy to promote "strong borders" abroad as part of its Global War on Terror.

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