Haitians Seeking Asylum

Stand up to Advocate for Humane Treatment of Haitians Seeking Asylum

As Catholics, we are called to speak out on behalf of the poor and vulnerable, and we are called to create a just society.  Recent events surrounding people seeking refuge in our nation, particularly a large number of Haitians,  show a disregard for human dignity.  Fr. Walsh and our Haiti Committee sent a letter to representatives of our federal government pleading that we implement more humane standards in the treatment of those seeking safety in our country, and that we pause deportations of Haitians in light of the gravely increased instability in their country this year due to natural disasters, political instability, and the pandemic (scroll down to read the letter).

We invite individual parishioners to also speak out on behalf of our Haitian sisters and brothers using the resources below (scroll down to learn how):

“Policies such as Title 42 and expedited removal all too often deny the reality of forced migration, disregard the responsibilities enshrined in domestic and international law, and undermine the vulnerability of those against whom they are applied. These are not hallmarks of a ‘fair, orderly, and humane’ immigration system.

“As a Church at the service of all God’s people, we embrace Christ’s call to welcome the newcomer and accompany them wherever they may be. During this National Migration Week—through which we prepare to join the Universal Church in marking the World Day for Migrants and Refugees—we are especially mindful of that obligation and saddened to see such a disregard for human dignity. After all, it is in the face of each migrant that we see the face of Christ.

“We call on the U.S. government to reassess its treatment of migrants in Del Rio and elsewhere along the U.S.-Mexico border, especially Haitians, who face life-threatening conditions if returned to Haiti and possible discrimination if expelled to third countries. In addition to those services and works provided by many Catholic institutions, we offer our prayers for these migrants and all those seeking safety, security, and the opportunity to flourish in accordance with their God-given dignity.

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, and Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, September 22, 2021

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

US Bishops' Migration Chairman and President of Catholic Charities USA Urge Humane Treatment of Haitians, Other Migrants (complete statement)

Letter sent by St. Margaret Mary Haiti Ministry (September 26, 2021)

Letter sent by Catholic Organizations 
164 Catholic organizations joined together to send a letter to President Biden ahead of the World Day for Migrants and Refugees demanding he end the misuse of Title 42. Title 42, first invoked by the Trump administration and affirmatively continued by the Biden administration, has been used to expel an unknown number of asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, putting them in harm's way and denying them the opportunity to seek life-saving protection. (Catholic Title 42WDMR)

Biden Administration's Dangerous Haitian Expulsion Strategy Escalates the US History of Illegal and Discriminatory Mistreatment of Haitians Seeking Safety in the United States (Human Rights First/Haitian Bridge Alliance Fact Sheet, September 2021)

Comment by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on conditions and expulsions at US border (September 21, 2021).

USCCB Chairmen Commend Redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (May 2021)

WHAT CAN YOU DO?