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“INTRODUCTION STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE ALCEE L. HASTINGS FOR THE HAITI COMPASSION ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1084 on May 24, 2005.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE ALCEE L. HASTINGS FOR THE HAITI
COMPASSION ACT
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HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Haiti Compassion Act. Do our colleagues know that before Haiti had even achieved its own independence in 1804, 500 Haitian troops joined American colonists in an attempt to drive the British from Savannah, Georgia? In that one battle, Haitians made up the largest military unit to fight in the 1779 siege. Haiti demonstrated through noble action and sacrifice its loyal friendship to the United States more than 225 years ago. It is now time for Congress to do the responsible thing and protect the lives and well-being of those who have stood by us for centuries.
2004 was a debilitating and tragic year for Haiti and her people. Haiti remains severely devastated by the combined effects of ongoing political turmoil and the aftermath of the natural disasters of 2004, such as Tropical Storm Jeanne and Hurricane Ivan. Political oppression and human rights violations are rife in Haiti while poverty and homelessness have become the norm for too many innocent people. To return a Haitian national back to Haiti is not only morally unjustifiable, but poses a severe threat to their personal safety.
If you don't take my word, then ask, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. On March 11, 2005 the U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning to U.S. Citizens, warning them of the ``absence of an effective police force in much of Haiti, the potential for looting, the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police, and the possibility of random violent crime, including kidnapping, car-jacking, and assault.'' The Department of State's Consular Information Sheet states, ``There are no ``safe areas'' in Haiti.'' As a result, ``U.S. Citizens should avoid travel to Haiti at this time.''
At a time when current U.S. policy is to compel its own citizens not to travel to Haiti, it is unjust to return Haitian nationals to this type of dangerous situation. To return a Haitian national back to Haiti where there is ongoing violence and a devastating environmental situation would pose a severe threat to one's personal safety. Both Democrats and Republicans have mentioned the history of blatant discrimination and mistreatment of Haitians in the immigration process. Therefore, the time has arrived for us to offer some much-deserved compassion and effective action on the behalf of our loyal friends.
My legislation would designate Haiti under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to render nationals of Haiti eligible for temporary protected status. In light of the political, civil, and governmental crisis and tragic conditions caused by the recent environmental disasters in Haiti, my legislation would make nationals of Haiti eligible for temporary protected status.
I ask for my colleagues' support and urge the House Leadership to bring it swiftly to the House floor for consideration.
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