September 20, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Immigration Task Force and Co-chair of the House Haiti and House Caribbean Caucuses, released the following statement calling for the immediate halting of Haitian repatriation flights and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive pathway to citizenship:
“More than 14,000 Haitians will be expelled from the United States in the coming weeks, and it is unconscionable DHS would seek to return Haitian migrants to a country in turmoil. My colleagues and I have repeatedly spoken out and penned numerous letters requesting the ceasing of targeted deportations of Haitian migrants. However, this dangerous and wholly unnecessary practice continues. Haiti is still reeling from a series of compounding crises: rising coronavirus rates and vaccine hesitancy, a political crisis stemming from President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination, increased gang violence, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake where more than 800,000 people have been affected and 650,000 are still in need of emergency humanitarian assistance, a tropical depression leaving almost 2,000 dead, and thousands without shelter. I am calling for a humanitarian moratorium on these targeted deportations. Now, more than ever, we must reimagine the immigration system in a humane, just, and fair manner. I am the daughter of immigrant parents from Jamaica and this is personal to me. I have dedicated my career to building an immigration system that lets people live without fear and gives immigrants – like my parents – who sought a better life and to contribute to our nation, a fair opportunity to thrive,” said Clarke. “Additionally — despite the decision of the Senate parliamentarian to exclude the proposal to create pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farm-workers, and essential workers in the reconciliation process — we remain committed to advancing alternative proposals for comprehensive immigration reform. Let me be very clear; we’ve prepared for this, and we have a plan. Immigration reform isn’t just about mundane policy changes and politics-as-usual; it is about people. It is about our families, friends, and neighbors who have contributed to our country for decades. Opening the door to citizenship would not only provide a necessary measure of justice, but it will also serve as a powerful injection of energy and vigor into our economic recovery.”

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Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Media contact: 

Remmington Belford  e: Remmington.belford@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737