Washington, D.C. (September 23, 2021) – The National Bar Association (NBA) stands in solidarity with the Haitian migrants at the Del Rio, Texas border and implores the Biden Administration to ensure Haitian nationals are treated with dignity and in accordance with the rule of law.
The Biden administration has expelled thousands of Haitian migrants from the border by invoking title 42 restrictions. Migrants should be afforded the legal rights to a credible fear interview to ascertain their eligibility for asylum.
In recent months, the Republic of Haiti has been battered by both environmental disasters and political turmoil that included the assassination of a sitting president. These events compound the devastation from earthquakes and hurricanes that have overwhelmed Haiti’s government, communities, and infrastructure. Overwhelming evidence shows that the conditions in Haiti are deteriorating. Given the significant uncertainty surrounding the future of Haiti, including its ability to accept the return of its nationals safely, the Biden administration’s forcible expulsion of Haitians not only deprives people of the opportunity to apply for asylum, but also endangers their lives.
The National Bar Association further urges the Department of Homeland Security to suspend the repatriation of Haitian migrants due to the recent earthquake, global health crisis, insecurity, and political instability.”
The National Bar Association is now partnering with the Haitian Bridge Alliance and is committed to collaborating with other organizations to provide legal assistance to Haitian migrants.
