Haitian-Americans Exerting Their Political Muscle
The Miami Herald reported today that Haitian-American politicians across the U.S. have come together in the hopes of lobbying for legislation to grant certain immigration benefits for Haitians in the U.S. and, and for improvements to U.S. policy towards Haiti.
The push for legislation on immigration issues comes as Haitian-Americans who voted for President Obama, are now increasingly frustrated that his administration has not done and/or moved fast enough to grant undocumented Haitians a chance to temporarily stay in the U.S. and work.
The National Haitian American Elected Officials Network, formed by 22 elected officials from Florida to New Hampshire, met for the first time last month in Washington to discuss immigration related legislation and U.S. policy and aid toward Haiti.
They are pushing for immigration reform that includes legalization for undocumented Haitians in the U.S. They are also asking for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 35,000 Haitians facing deportation. Lastly, they are pressing for better development of U.S. funding and policy priorities for Haiti and increased accountability for U.S. funded projects in Haiti.
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