Vol. 73/No. 34      September 7, 2009

Several Haitian groups here and throughout the state are also organizing a rally in Washington, D.C., September 16 to demand that undocumented Haitians be granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and an end to raids and deportations. TPS allows undocumented immigrants, under certain conditions, to remain in the country temporarily with a work permit.

Haitian rights groups held a press conference August 11 to demand release of the child’s parents. “They should be released to deal with death of their little girl,” said Marleine Bastien, executive director of Haitian Women of Miami speaking at the Jean Jacques Dessaline Community Center. After three months the body of eight-month-old Luana Augustin remains in the Palm Beach County morgue awaiting burial. She was among at least eight others who died when the boat sank. Sixteen survivors were pulled from the water.

The parents, Chandeline Leonard and Lucsene Augustin, were taken to a jail in West Palm Beach after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement turned them over to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Federal authorities later charged the boat’s captain, Jimmy Metellus, and Jean Morange Nelson with immigrant smuggling resulting in death. The charge carries a possible death sentence. Metellus said he was hired by four men in the Bahamas in exchange for a free ride.

Ronald Surin, attorney for the parents, said, “We even asked for release under supervision but even that was denied.”

“This couple is in the hands federal marshals,” said Cheryl Little, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. “They were victimized by smugglers. Now they are victimized by our government. We expected with the new administration we would have kinder, gentler policies in regards to immigration.”

Little said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano did not respond to a letter requesting release of the parents. “We know President Obama has the power to release these people. We continue to ask that he deliver on the promises he made,” she said.

In addition to calling for the parents’ release, the press conference called for Temporary Protected Status for some 30,000 Haitians in the United States. The Obama administration has so far refused any change in the status of undocumented Haitians in the United States, leaving them facing arrest and deportation at any time.

“We ask Obama to pass TPS for Haitians. Do the right thing President Obama. Release the parents now. TPS for Haitians cannot wait for comprehensive immigration reform. He promised. He needs to deliver,” said Bastien.

Among those organizing the September 16 demonstration are Haitian Women of Miami, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Haitian Coalition for TPS, and Palm Beach County Coalition for Immigrant Rights, as well as other groups throughout Florida.

For more information on the September 16 action call Francesca Menes at (786) 340-1646 or Danna Magliore at (305) 756-8050.
 
 
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