Speech #1100005723

Most recently there has been a sharp increase in common crime. especially kidnappings which continue to plague the capital and other cities and regions. The absence of security and failure of police and the judicial system to function effectively only makes matters worse. In addition to safety and human rights considerations. halting the deportation of Haitians is also an economic matter. Under the law. TPS beneficiaries are eligible to obtain work authorization permits. The ability for Haitian Nationals to legally work in the United States put them in a position to contribute to their countrys reform and development until such time it is safe for their return to Haiti. Madam Speaker. the Haitian Diaspora has always played a pivotal role in assisting Haiti. It is widely known that Haitians residing in the United States often work three jobs to send money back to Haiti each month. Many Haitians in the United States often send remittances to support family members. and others travel home to lend their expertise toward rebuilding and humanitarian efforts. Designating Haiti under TPS status would preserve and increase remittancesover a billion dollars a yearfrom the Haitian Diaspora to relatives and communities in Haiti that are key for welfare. survival. and recovery. Haiti is more dependent than any other country on remittancesnearly a billion dollars a yearsent home by Haitians in the United States. Remittances to Haiti far exceed foreign aid. Many Haitian Nationals in the United States who previously sustained relatives in Haiti through remittances. are being deported. further depriving Haiti of an important source of financial aid that is wellpositioned to assist when based here in the United States. Madam Speaker. by refusing to give Haiti the TPS designation. our inequitable immigration policies continue to send a clear message: The safety of Haitian lives is not a priority compared to a Honduran. Liberian or Sudanese life. We must act to change this perception. Our immigration policies have to change. they must reflect fairness and treat Haitians equally to Nicaraguans. Hondurans. and Salvadorans whose deportations are suspended and who are allowed to work and support their families back home. Madam Speaker. Haiti is making great strides to recover and rebuild.