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| Stop Deportations to Devastated Haiti | September 19, 2008 |
| (Miami, September 19, 2008) – The Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) and other advocates of the Haitian community are alarmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been deporting Haitians in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Michael Rozos, ICE’s head of detention and removal in Florida, confirmed Haitian deportations have been “business as usual’’ in a message yesterday. Today ICE suspended scheduled deportations. A one day suspension is not enough. ICE deportations continue as Haiti is reeling from Hurricane Ike and three preceding hurricanes that have left death, devastation and hunger in their wake. Hurricane Ike struck the island on September 6. Yet we have reports that deportations have taken place since then even though the Haitian consulate in Miami has not been issuing the required travel documents. Haitians with ankle bracelets -- which ICE places on people under its supervision – have been ordered by ICE to go to the consulate to obtain a passport. Some Haitians have been compelled to buy airline tickets to Haiti by ICE’s implicit threat to detain them otherwise. “It is unconscionable to deport people back to Haiti when they will have little chance to find food or shelter,’’ said Cheryl Little, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center’s executive director. “ The United States should not add to Haiti’s burden by sending more destitute people. Let Haitians stay and provide direct aid to Haiti through their remittances.’’ South Florida’s congressional delegation supports a suspension of deportation to Haiti. Among the delegation members are U.S. Sens. Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson and U.S. Reps. Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart, Alcee Hastings, Kendrick Meek, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Robert Wexler. They have been working with local advocates all week to make the case to officials at the White House, Department of Homeland Security, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. FIAC is most grateful for their quick and tireless efforts. We are hopeful that policymakers will make the right decision to suspend deportations to Haiti given the current ruinous conditions. About Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) is one of the nation’s largest non-profit agencies providing immigration legal services. FIAC is dedicated to protecting and promoting the basic rights of immigrants of all nationalities. Since its founding in 1996, FIAC’s multilingual and multicultural staff has closed more than 60,000 cases. FIAC has influenced national policies; successfully litigated or otherwise challenged patterns of abuse; and taken a leading role in educating the public about the impact that immigration laws and directives have on our communities. FIAC is nationally recognized as a powerful advocate for immigrants’ rights. | |