Meeks’ Statement on the Deportations of Haitian Migrants

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement on the deportations of Haitian migrants:

“My heart goes out to the People of Haiti, especially those seeking refuge at our borders that have fled their homes after enduring extreme political and environmental hardships. 

“American values dictate that we respond to our neighboring friends with compassion as the Haitian government responds to multiple, overlapping crises.

“This past March, I expressed my concerns to Secretary Mayorkas on the deportations of Haitian migrants under Title 42.

“I want to reiterate my message. We must respond to Haitian migrants in the context of the humanitarian crises they are up against: a recent natural disaster, political turmoil, and lack of capacity to respond effectively to COVID-19.  Knee-jerk deportations are not the answer; providing Haitian migrants fair access to our asylum process is a must.”

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