[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE ALCEE L. HASTINGS FOR THE HAITI 
                             COMPASSION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Haiti Compassion Act. Do our colleagues know that before Haiti had even 
achieved its own independence in 1804, 500 Haitian troops joined 
American colonists in an attempt to drive the British from Savannah, 
Georgia? In that one battle, Haitians made up the largest military unit 
to fight in the 1779 siege. Haiti demonstrated through noble action and 
sacrifice its loyal friendship to the United States more than 225 years 
ago. It is now time for Congress to do the responsible thing and 
protect the lives and well-being of those who have stood by us for 
centuries.
  2004 was a debilitating and tragic year for Haiti and her people. 
Haiti remains severely devastated by the combined effects of ongoing 
political turmoil and the aftermath of the natural disasters of 2004, 
such as Tropical Storm Jeanne and Hurricane Ivan. Political oppression 
and human rights violations are rife in Haiti while poverty and 
homelessness have become the norm for too many innocent people. To 
return a Haitian national back to Haiti is not only morally 
unjustifiable, but poses a severe threat to their personal safety.
  If you don't take my word, then ask, U.S. Secretary of State 
Condoleeza Rice. On March 11, 2005 the U.S. Department of State issued 
a travel warning to U.S. Citizens, warning them of the ``absence of an 
effective police force in much of Haiti, the potential for looting, the 
presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the 
police, and the possibility of random violent crime, including 
kidnapping, car-jacking, and assault.'' The Department of State's 
Consular Information Sheet states, ``There are no ``safe areas'' in 
Haiti.'' As a result, ``U.S. Citizens should avoid travel to Haiti at 
this time.''
  At a time when current U.S. policy is to compel its own citizens not 
to travel to Haiti, it is unjust to return Haitian nationals to this 
type of dangerous situation. To return a Haitian national back to Haiti 
where there is ongoing violence and a devastating environmental 
situation would pose a severe threat to one's personal safety. Both 
Democrats and Republicans have mentioned the history of blatant 
discrimination and mistreatment of Haitians in the immigration process. 
Therefore, the time has arrived for us to offer some much-deserved 
compassion and effective action on the behalf of our loyal friends.
  My legislation would designate Haiti under section 244 of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act in order to render nationals of Haiti 
eligible for temporary protected status. In light of the political, 
civil, and governmental crisis and tragic conditions caused by the 
recent environmental disasters in Haiti, my legislation would make 
nationals of Haiti eligible for temporary protected status.
  I ask for my colleagues' support and urge the House Leadership to 
bring it swiftly to the House floor for consideration.

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