FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswomen Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), and Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10) joined colleagues and advocates to stand together in solidarity with Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio and across America, and to demand accountability for the harmful and false narratives perpetuated by Republicans. Additionally, the Members announced the introduction of legislation to condemn the racism and bigotry Haitian immigrant communities have faced in the aftermath of the GOP’s disinformation campaign, and to celebrate the humanity and contributions of the Haitian community.

“At a time when the Haitian people are suffering through a series of devastating, catastrophic crises, it is utterly contemptible that America’s most powerful would capitalize on the pain of those seeking safety in this country to amplify their anti-immigrant rhetoric. From Springfield, Ohio, to New York’s 9th District, to every corner of this nation where Haitian immigrants reside, these dangerous, disproven lies have brought real harm to those only seeking better lives for themselves and their families,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “The extreme forces spreading this disinformation demand more than our universal condemnation, but a moral and humanitarian promise that we will not abandon our Haitian American neighbors to their cruelty. I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues and our many like-minded allies to reject the hatred of powerful politicians, billionaires, and extreme activists. Make no mistake – we will always rise to protect the rights of immigrants to this nation to find their own American Dream.”

“The flagrant lies about the Haitian community perpetuated and amplified by Trump and Vance are disgraceful, dehumanizing, and outright dangerous – and we must call them out,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “As Congresswoman for the third largest Haitian diaspora community in the country, I want our Haitian neighbors to know that we see them and we stand with them. I was proud to join my Haiti Caucus colleagues to condemn this hate and unveil a resolution to celebrate and affirm the dignity, humanity, and contributions of our Haitian families. Congressional intent is powerful and Congress must pass it without delay.”

“The baseless and racist attacks against innocent Haitian migrants and Haitian Americans cannot go unchecked. These are lies that only seek to hurt Haitian people and help MAGA extremists divide our country so they can win an election. I am proud to introduce this resolution alongside Reps. Clarke, Pressley, and Cherfilus-McCormick to forcefully condemn these attacks and send a clear message that this rhetoric is disgusting, hateful, and wrong,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “The Haitian community is beautiful, diverse, and an important part of the fabric of our country. Every single member of Congress regardless of party should be able to stand firmly in support of our resolution to condemn any and all hate against the Haitian community.”

“Immigrants, including Haitians, came to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. When family-owned businesses in Springfield, Ohio were struggling to fill positions and keep production running, Haitian immigrants stepped up. These are hardworking people who have greatly contributed to the economy and have revived Springfield after decades of turmoil,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “Politics should not divide our communities. It is our responsibility to protect our communities from hateful rhetoric and work to provide them with the resources they need to thrive.” 

“The campaign to denigrate Haitians as unfit to be in America Is a campaign against all immigrants, against decency and against persons of good will who wish to live peacefully in a diverse and culturally rich America. The hate-mongering has no other purpose than to divide and conquer by scaring people away from the voting booth. We won’t be deterred,” said Jocelyn McCalla, Senior Policy advisor for the Haitian-American Foundation for Democracy.

“The recent threats against Haitians in Springfield highlight a disturbing trend toward division rather than unity. I call upon the officials in Ohio to provide support and protection for Haitians and to stand against hatred. We urge our allies to join us in this fight for justice and solidarity for all communities facing discrimination,” said Mary Estimé-Irvin, Chairwoman, National Haitian American Elected Officials Network. 

“This narrative about Haitian migrants that we are seeing today is based on racist policies that saw the US government detain Black Haitians in Florida and Guantanamo Bay while at the same time admitting white Cubans into the US. The dehumanization of Black migrants is a constant thread in this country’s history – and today we see similar racial inequities with Ukrainians vs Black and brown migrants at the US southern border and within the country,” said Ronald Claude, BAJI’s Policy Director. “The question we must ask ourselves is why are Black migrants treated as a burden for this country while white migrants are welcomed?” 

“The African Diaspora, including Haitian immigrant community has been instrumental in shaping America’s economic, cultural, and social landscape. We all stand in solidarity with their pain. Haitians contributed to the emancipation of African people. They continue to play a vital role in building a brighter future for our Springfield and our nation. We are urging all U.S political leaders to run their campaign with integrity, dignity and respect. It is critical that we continue to protect our democracy and the great values that America symbolizes,” said Princess Philomina Desmond, Chair, Virginia Africa Diaspora Caucus, Board Member, African Diaspora for Good Governance.

Photos from the press conference can be viewed here.

Click here for the full text of H.Res.1473 – To condemn racism and bigotry towards Haitian people, to celebrate the vast contributions of people of Haitian descent to the United States, to condemn the spread of misinformation, and to call on Americans to affirm our shared humanity.

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