Haiti

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on the Dominican Republic to cease forced deportations of Haitian migrants and people of Haitian ancestry amid a growing human rights crisis in Haiti.

Visitors to Bow Market in Somerville’s Union Square can now spot the vibrant colors and chic silhouettes of local designer Joelle Fontaine in the windows. Fontaine opened the first brick-and-mortar shop for her brand Kréyol at the end of May and has quickly become a part of the local business marketplace.

Contemporary and Haitian fusion dance troupe Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) will debut a powerful new piece, “Traka,” at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston on May 13 and 14. Presented by Global Arts Live, “Traka” explores trauma and the healing power of movement through the lens of Haitian history.

Following the announcement of a federal plan to accept 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, local leaders and organizations have voiced support for the proposed action, while also noting perceived inequities between the treatment of Ukrainian refugees in comparison with the treatment of migrants from predominantly non-white countries and hoping that the action can jumpstart change in the U.S. migration system.

Massachusetts officials moved to provide aid to Haitian migrants in a $4 billion federal COVID-19 relief funding spending bill signed by Governor Charlie Baker Monday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer angrily said the brutal treatment of Haitian asylum seekers defies common decency. A chorus of Democrats chimed in and called the Border Patrol horseback riding whipping and assaulting of the Haitians much worse. All demanded that the Biden Administration cease and desist the deportation of the asylum-seekers.

Activists and members of the Haitian diaspora gathered Friday in Boston to protest the Biden administration’s recent expulsion of Haitian migrants at the southern U.S. border.

About 50 people, including public officials, faith leaders, and residents of the Haitian diaspora, came together in prayerful support for the people of Haiti following the assassination of the country’s president Jovenel Moïse and the shooting of his wife Martine on July 7.

President Biden announced May 22 that he has redesignated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haiti, shielding Haitian refugees from deportation while they stay with their families in the United States.

It is up to right-thinking Americans to stand up to Trump and the cynical, cowardly senators and congressional representatives who cater to his attempts at despotism. It is time to stand up and say “No!” to the deportation of Haitians and others living in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status.