Everything they do. every move they make. must be approved in writing by the camp administration. The administration. through INS. is waging psychological warfare against these people. The racism evident in the treatment of Haitian refugees may be subtle. but it is clear. A week ago. a refugee died in Fort Allen. One of his fellow inmates said his death was a result of "thinking too much." Depression certainly played a part in the mans death. There is nothing for the Haitians to do but sit and wait. Not only that. but because Fort Allen is in an out of the way spot in Puerto Rico. it is more regimented than the camps in the United States. The treatment of the refugees is much worse. There is one happy note. The Puerto Rican people have offered to help the Haitians. There was a march in Puerto Rico last weekend in support of the refugees. Also. many Puerto Rican families. church groups. and civic organizations have offered to take in the Haitians while their fate is being decided. There are no easy answers to this problem. But there are immediate remedies which can alleviate the suffering of the refugees. The conditions in the camp could be greatly improved. Those refugees who have sponsors should be released while their cases are being decided. We are dealing with human beings in Fort Allen. men and women like you and I. They only want to be treated with dignity. not like stray dogs.
Identified stereotypes
Treatment of Haitian refugees is racist.