FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mariangela Cordero
786-537-3518
September 17, 2021
MIAMI, FL - On Sunday, September 12, 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard seized a boat carrying 103 Haitian refugees en route to Miami. Coast Guard officials reportedly found the boat 18 miles from Biscayne Bay. We condemn the Biden Administration's decision to deport these refugees in complete denial of the basic right of due process. Haitians are fleeing from credible harm which the Department of Homeland Security recognized in their August 3rd TPS redesignation.
Marleine Bastien, Executive Director of Family Action Network Movement, said, “It is unacceptable for the U.S. to return refugees to Haiti at a time when the country is going through the worst political and humanitarian crisis in recent history. After experiencing multiple natural disasters, political unrest, gang and gender based violence, Haiti is in no condition to absorb and protect these refugees at this time. Haitians refugees who arrive in the U.S. deserve the basic right of due process.”
Ira Kurzban, Attorney at Law of Kurzban, Kurzban, Tetzeli and Pratt, said “Haitians are fleeing for their lives and instead of welcoming them as refugees we are returning them to Haïti without a hearing. This is disgraceful and contrary to President Biden’s statements to protect Haitian refugees.”
Family Action Network Movement (FANM) is a private not-for-profit organization dedicated to the social, economic, financial and political empowerment of low to moderate-income families.
Contact Information: info@fanm.org, 305-756-8050
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