a1161: One way to gain influence (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

One way to gain influence
By Thomas Monnay

March 8, 2002

Becoming an American citizen, though a privilege, can be a painful
experience for longtime immigrants in love with their motherlands.

I faced the dilemma three years ago when I decided to give up my Haitian
citizenship and become an American.

Like many in my community, I felt guilty reneging on the country that gave
me access to free education and an opportunity to elevate myself to higher
social status. My father and four siblings still live in Haiti, and
eventually I will inherit acres of land in the semi-rural community where I
grew up.

The real issue for me, however, was what I would have lost had I decided to
remain a Haitian citizen.

Among a few examples, I wouldn't have been able to vote and fully
participate in the political system of the United States, although I work
and pay taxes like most Americans. And I wouldn't have been able to land
federal jobs that can be filled only by U.S. citizens.

There are thousands of Haitian immigrants nationwide who still haven't come
to terms with those realities.

For some, the logic is simple. Although they left Haiti decades ago, they
hope to retire there one day to spend their final days enjoying savings from
working two to three jobs in hard and humiliating conditions in the United
States.

For many, especially those who are highly educated and professionally
trained, their hope is to run for office or hold key political appointments
if Haiti's political and economic conditions improve. Because Haiti's
constitution doesn't allow dual citizenship, they wouldn't be allowed to
fulfill those goals if they became Americans.

I love Haiti and am as proud as my compatriots, but I also think it's time
for them to wake up and face reality.

Many Haitian seniors who normally would return to enjoy a quiet and more
dignified life back home can't do so because Haiti's economic and political
conditions keep deteriorating instead of improving. Conditions in Haiti
won't change overnight, and many Haitians who are reluctant to become
American citizens will never make it back.

There's one thing left to do if Haitians want to empower themselves in the
United States: become American citizens and register to vote.

Once they do so, they can create a voting bloc and start getting the eyes
and ears of elected officials, who will pay attention to their plight and
issues important to them and Haiti. The Jewish community has done it;
Hispanics have done the same thing, and Haitians can learn from those
groups.

There's no doubt Haitian political influence is growing. Three
Haitian-Americans have been elected to the North Miami City Council and
another as a state representative from Miami-Dade County.

Gov. Bush also recently appointed a Haitian-born U.S. citizen as a judge in
Miami-Dade, while a Haitian-American lawyer is a candidate for a judicial
seat in upcoming elections in that county.

The three North Miami councilmen wouldn't have had a chance five years ago
because there weren't enough Haitians who could vote.

Haitians must realize that America has given them a second chance as they
escape political repression and poverty in Haiti to live a better life here.
Many own businesses, hold high-paying jobs and own homes. Those achievements
would have been almost impossible if they were still living in Haiti.

It's only fair and realistic to be thankful for and become part of the
country that gives us the chance to thrive and care for those we love, most
importantly our children, many of whom were born on U.S. shores and are
American citizens.

There's nothing wrong with becoming an American citizen, and we still can do
that while we keep our love for Haiti.



Thomas Monnay can be reached at tmonnay@sun-sentinel.com.





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