It is no question that the events that occurred last January has completely changed the future goals and plans of Haiti. Haiti was already concerned with being the only LEDC (Less Economically Developed Country) country in the Americas. Now faced with a cholera epidemic, political turmoil, and the process of rebuilding, it seems as if even God himself has his own plans for Haiti. However, Haiti seems to have another problem on the horizon and its not Wyclef Jean v. Sean Penn. It is in fact the deportation of Haitians from the United States.
All deportations from Haiti were suspended after the January 12 earthquake. Understandably. How can you try to deport someone to a country that no longer has a functioning airport or seaport? Therefore, Haitians were granted special immigration status due to their inability to return to their home country due to a natural disaster. This 'special immigration status' is temporary and can be granted despite criminal history. Which of course meant that many Haitians previously held in detention centers and correctional facilities waiting deportation were immediately released and allowed to temporarily work and stay.
Recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Department of Homeland Security), has begun rounding up Haitian immigrants according to the New York Times. Officials have said they are only deporting Haitians who have been convicted of crimes and have finished serving their time. These individuals are considered to be of an immense threat to the National Security of the United States.
Now here is my first question: Who can handle Haiti's most dangerous criminals? The United States or Haiti?
I understand that it is not the responsibility of the United States to house, clothe, feed, and discipline Haiti's criminals. However, if the United States would like to save themselves some future trouble it may be in their benefit to keep Haiti's dangerous criminal population in U.S. prisons. Haiti is already in trouble with keeping chaos and crime down. Crime runs amuck when people are desperate but also when a group of people have a follower. Let's say for example your prototypical criminal who can strike fear in the hearts of people and be someone aspiring youth can latch onto. Who is going to stop them from creating criminal organizations that can rival even our own? There is no law or any fear of the law currently in Haiti which is usually the check to any criminal organization and keeps a society in balance.
I can easily see some lowlife criminal using the resources obtained from International Aid Organizations like drugs and creating a 'drug trade' across the country exploiting the poor and desperate. These nightmares make me very concern over the future welfare of Haiti more so than the political turmoil and cholera. Cholera can be treated with medicine. Political turmoil can be resolved with a revolution. But cholera and political turmoil cannot be resolved if crime is amuck in Haiti. Elections can be rigged and officials paid off by crime and disease can be used as a powerful extortion tool or biological weapon.
I also understand that the U.S. cannot afford to keep Haitians as charity cases in these troubling economic times. But my response to this is there exists more permanent Haitian immigrants than illegal/temporary immigrants. Those contacts will allow for new markets and trading to occur between the United States and Haiti. Considering the economic turmoil that Haiti is faced with, they must make money quickly in order to pay off debts and help improve their situation. Fastest way to make money: illegally.
I don't want to beat a dead horse, but this seems to be an important development on Haiti and of great concern to this citizen. If you have a different opinion, please feel free to share! Comment!
Nzinga Mbande
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