Many of the Haitians who were relocated in other Latin American countriesincluding Venezuela and Honduras--chose to return to Haiti. at least In part because they were in third countries rather than In the United States. Furthermore. very few Haitians have crossed the porous land border with the Dominican Republican obvious and available path of escape for those genuinely afraid for their lives. Mr. Chairman. we all feel sympathy for Haitians fleeing the terrible economic conditions In the poorest country In the hemisphere. But we cannot and should not make refugee policy based on allegations that do not have a basis in fact. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R.
Identified stereotypes
Haitians are primarily motivated by economic reasons to come to the US, not genuine fear of persecution.