In response to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ deployment of the National Guard to prevent “the possibility of invasion” and to deport Haitian migrants seeking aid amidst spiraling danger following the resignation of Haiti’s Prime Minister, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn issued the following statement:
“For years, Haiti has suffered from chronic violence, political crises, and natural disasters, leaving roughly 5.5 million Haitians in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and 1 million on the brink of famine. This week’s resignation of Haiti’s Prime Minister has plunged the nation into further chaos, creating an ‘untenable’ situation, according to the United Nations, if we fail to act.
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I join the intensifying global calls for a unified effort to assist Haiti and its people in overcoming this crisis. I also reaffirm the need to safely and humanely allow migrants to seek refuge.
The U.S. has welcomed up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s invasion through our refugee program. I pray for the safety of the Haitian people and resolutely call for the humanitarian relief they are equally deserving of on our soil.
We need action now. The potential of vulnerable Haitians undertaking a perilous journey to Florida for U.S. aid was repugnantly labeled an “invasion” by Governor DeSantis, fueling racism as he deployed troops and threatened draconian new laws that criminalize immigrants, including jail time for driving without a valid license.
We must remain the beacon of hope and humanity for Haitians.”
