Humane treatment of Haitians and other migrants is being called for in a joint statement released on September 22 by the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ migration committee and the head of Catholic Charities USA.
Approximately 1,500 Haitians have crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into the Del Rio Sector of the United States border, located about 145 miles west of San Antonio.
While waiting to be processed, Haitians and other migrants have been living under the Del Rio International Bridge.
In temperatures that often top 100 degrees Fahrenheit and with extremely limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.
U.S. Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville of Washington and Dominican Sister Donna Markham have issued a joint statement.
Urging the federal government to reconsider its treatment of migrants in Del Rio and elsewhere along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Particularly Haitians, who face life-threatening conditions if returned to Haiti and possible discrimination if expelled to third countries.
What the United States Department of Homeland Security Is Doing About It
In response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dispatched more agents to the area, shut down the Del Rio Port of Entry, and sped up the process of deporting these migrants.
Multiple deportation flights must be operated to Haiti, a country still reeling from the aftermath of a recent presidential killing, huge earthquake, Tropical Storm Grace, and other disasters.
Due to the dire situation in Haiti, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently reclassified the country as eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Allowing certain Haitians already in the United States (as of July 29, 2021) to stay and work legally for another 18 months.
In addition, federal officials persist in using Title 42 of the United States Code and expedited removal to swiftly remove migrants while mainly evading due process.
Conclusion
Under the international bridge in Del Rio, Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border, thousands of migrants have gathered in recent days.
A large number of the migrants are originally from Haiti but travelled through Mexico and Central America to get to the United States.
Reporters heard from those who said they fled Haiti years ago because of the lack of job possibilities.
