Amidst gang violence plaguing Haiti, diaspora members face anguish over loved ones trapped in the turmoil, unable to escape due to closed airports and risky sea crossings to the United States.
Petit Frere, 36, shared her despair at the situation, stating, “Before, you could say things were OK. I knew things weren’t OK but I had faith, hope that it would change one day. We lost faith. There is no path forward because of the gangs.” Petit Frere and her husband fled Haiti, now running a restaurant in downtown Tijuana.
The unrest in Haiti has deeply impacted millions who left for Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and the United States. As hopes of returning home diminish, attention turns to the U.S.’s response to the long-standing issues of political instability, poverty, and natural disasters in Haiti.
The journey of Haitian migrants to the United States has been fraught with challenges. A devastating earthquake in 2010 led many to Brazil and Chile, while economic downturns prompted others to seek asylum in the United States. Despite President Biden’s immigration policies, which have provided avenues for legal entry, the recent focus has shifted towards addressing the root causes of migration, including the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended for Haitians in the U.S., offering some reprieve, yet challenges persist. The Coast Guard’s interception of refugees near the Bahamas underscores the ongoing policy of returning migrants intercepted at sea.
Tijuana has served as a temporary refuge for Haitians since 2016, with many obtaining legal status in Mexico. Yet, the dream of reaching the United States persists for many, symbolized by long waits at border crossings facilitated by CBP One appointments.
Jackson Cisrode, 26, is among those yearning for a better future. Separated from his son in Haiti due to financial constraints, he navigated a perilous journey through Central America to reach the U.S. border, hoping to reunite with his family and forge a better life.
