Many Haitians who are here in the United States are here because they have a legitimate fear of persecution In Haiti. This is especially true of Haitians who fled the military coup. While it is true that the only real solution to the Haitian refugee crisis In south Florida is longterm Democratic government in Haiti. we in the United States still have a human problem that should not be ignored. Our communities are pained to see human suffering when desperate Haitians have risked their lives at sea and those who have made it to Florida are Incarcerated for weeks and months awaiting piocessing. Many of the Haitians who arrived in the United States before and after the military coup did so based on a credible fear of persecution and continue to be justified in their reticence to return to the areas from where they fled. Many are facing imminent deportation and there Is not yet a viable system of protection In place should they find themselves back in Haiti. Many Haitians who have been here In the United States prior to January 20. 1993. when President Clinton took office. have filed asylum claims. It is difficult. however. for some people who have a credible fear of persecution to actually provide documentation satisfactory to INS. They may nevertheless have a strong but unverifiable case. My bill would give Haitians immigration treatment similar to that given to Cubans. who are automatically given the benefit of the doubt. But unlike Cubans. who may receive adjustment to permanent residency status even If they arrive in the future. my bill would provide adjustment to permanent residency status only for those Haitians who can prove their arrival In the United States prior to January 20. 1993. They would be able to apply for such adjustment within 2 years after the date of enactment of this legislation.
Keywords matched
asylum claims deportation refugee immigration