23593: (Hermantin)Miami-Herald-Letter to the Editor (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Posted on Sat, Oct. 23, 2004

TPS is the wrong solution for Haitians


Re the Oct. 20 editorial U.S policy grants TPS to many -- except Haitians:
The U.S. government has no obligation to grant Temporary Protected Status to
Haitians in this country. They need to go through the normal procedures like
any others.

By bypassing those procedures, U.S. immigration would send a mixed signal
that could be interpreted as an invitation to them to stay permanently
and/or the rest to come freely. TPS under these conditions would be
counterproductive and unfair to other Haitians who play by the rules by
standing in line for hours for an interview with a U.S. consular officer in
Haiti.

Our organization, Haitian Americans Today, would rather see the United
States issue temporary work permits to Haitians who are qualified to come to
work legally. They could have the opportunity to go back home to spend time
with their families -- Haiti needs them back home, too.

Those who live in the United States have acquired skills and understand the
principle of democracy that Haiti needs. They are the greatest hope for
their country's future.

MICHEL NAU, executive director, Haitian Americans Today, Washington, D.C.

The editorial didn't fully consider all the implications of granting
Haitians TPS.

It states: ''TPS isn't an invitation to stay permanently or for other
Haitians to come.'' However, the power of rumors is strong in Haiti and can
spur mass migration. Would 200,000 people ignore the fact that 20,000 are
being given TPS while those in Haiti suffer? Regardless of how any TPS order
is written, only one message will be heard, loud and clear: ``Come on
over.''

Rumors can lead to overcrowded, deadly voyages, increased burdens on The
Bahamas as a midpoint and deaths on the seas between Haiti and the United
States.

ANASTASIA BURNS, Coconut Grove

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