Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Haiti
Delegate Name: Kendra Thomas
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Haiti position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
Immigrants generally leave their country in search of a better, more prosperous life. Some immigrants are seeking more money, better opportunities, or more freedoms, while others are simply looking for safety and well being that they cannot find in their home country. When this is the case immigrants should be welcomed into a new country. But because of strict immigration laws, some countries are not doing all that is necessary for those less fortunate than themselves. When creating immigration laws it is important to have the well being and human rights of the people in mind. It is the responsibility of well developed countries to help those less fortunate by welcoming them peacefully into their country, even if it is for a short time while waiting for the situation to stabilize back home.
After the devastating earthquake in January of 2010 there was an increase of people leaving Haiti. Everything had been destroyed and the country was in no position to help repair itself. The global community helped with various donations and aid programs but not nearly enough was done. Devastation overtook Haiti and the people were left without any other option but to immigrate to other countries. The majority of people left and went to either the Dominican Republic or the United States. Those in the United States were quickly deported despite President Obama’s promises to help the immigrants from Haiti. When deported the people are usually sent back to Haitian prisons where there is very little food, clean water, or medicine. They are also leaving behind young children who depend on them in the United States. These are both clearly violations of human rights. Those who immigrate to the Dominican Republic face slightly better prospects. Although recently laws were put in place though that would make it impossible for Haitian children to attend school in the Dominican Republic unless considered a citizen there. In the past the laws about education were more relaxed Haitian children were allowed to continue their education and go on to join the work force. Quite recently Latin America, and most significantly Brazil, has been working alongside Haiti to plan for the integration of Haitians into their communities. They are providing people with humanitarian aid like food, employment, housing, counseling and education.
Haiti appreciates the support from the Latin American community and would like to this continue as well as receiving support from countries outside of Latin America. From the United States Haiti would like equal treatment to the Haitian immigrants as the Cuban immigrants because in several situations there have been unequal actions taken against them. Haiti would also like President Obama to sign the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program as well as keep their promise to help this country in its time of greatest need. From the Dominican Republic Haiti would like to see efforts to help its immigrants receive proper identifications so they can continue their educations.
