Representative Adriano Espaillat Remarks Regarding Haiti's Humanitarian Crisis and Haitians' Presence at the U.S. Border Seeking Refuge
WASHINGTON, DC - Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) spoke on the House floor to address the humanitarian crisis facing Haitians at the border and urgent actions to address the concerns of the Haitian Diaspora after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti last month. Rep. Espaillat believes that we have a moral obligation to help vulnerable Haitians and their families during this challenging time and will continue his efforts to address the growing humanitarian crisis facing the Haitian people. Watch video of Rep. Espaillat on the House floor. The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat, as prepared for delivery: "I rise today in support of my Haitian brothers and sisters who are at the border seeking political, economic and climate refuge-- seeking shelter, food, and opportunity. "In recent days, thousands of Haitian migrants have arrived at our door in search of a better life where they have access to basic human necessities. "It is simply inhumane to turn away migrants who for over a decade have suffered significant human and economic losses due to natural disasters that have ravished their homeland and continue to worsen over the years. "Haiti’s vulnerability to the climate crisis coupled with a global pandemic and the recent presidential assassination have imploded the already detrimental conditions of the island. "Now more than ever, Haiti needs our help. The human cost of inaction is far to grave. America doesn’t turn our back on humanitarian crises around the world; and we shouldn’t turn our back on the crisis growing right here at our border. "As Haiti deals with overlapping unprecedented crises, we should lead with compassion and immediately halt deportations and grant humanitarian assistance to Haitians seeking refuge. "Thank you, and I yield." Espaillat condemns reported abuse of Haitians at the U.S. border. Espaillat joins colleagues urging administration to halt deportations of Haitians. ### |