Nonetheless. the soldiers severely beat him and he was imprisoned several hours before he was eventually released. This is just one of many incidents of harassment and intimidation. The administration is well aware of the crisis in Haiti. yet the administration persists in claiming that these refugees are not fleeing political repression and persecution. but are economic refugees. Claims have been made that Haitians are only fleeing for the United States. and that this proves that they are economic refugees rather than political ones. In fact. reports show Haitians landing in Cuba. and tens of thousands fleeing into the Dominican Republic. which has in the past treated Haitians very poorly. I find it hypocritical that the administration has denounced the de facto government and its policies but considers Haitians fleeing this Government economic migrants and returns them to the control of the government that the United States does not recognize. Further. the Coast Guard picks up Haitians and immediately starts back to PortauPrince. but picks up Cubans and takes them to the United States. This policy is blatantly discriminatory and racist. Because Haitians are not fleeing a Communist country. they are not recognized as political refugees. and because they are black. they are told we cannot accept them. We cannot allow this policy to continue. The State Department claims that there is no proof that anyone repatriated has been harmed. and that a system Is In place to monitor those repatriated.
Identified stereotypes
Haitians are fleeing for economic reasons, not political persecution.