Former Haitian consul to the US: “Punishing Haitian migrants doesn’t solve the crisis, it worsens it”

Santo Domingo.– Former Haitian diplomat Edwin Paraison warned that the recent decision by United States to temporarily suspend the issuance of visas to Haitian citizens could not only push many towards dangerous migration routes, but also constitutes a form of collective punishment.

“Closing legal channels does not stop migration, it makes it more dangerous (…) Collectively punishing its migrant population does not solve the problems, it aggravates them,” he expressed. Paraison called on Washington to adopt a more humane approach consistent with the democratic and human rights values it promotes internationally.

You may be interested in: Also, the also executive director of the Zile Foundation described the measure as a setback that worsens the humanitarian crisis in his country. For the also activist, this decision implies not only the interruption of legal processes, but a direct threat to the integrity of vulnerable people. “There are families that are separated, couples who will not be able to reunite, and people in risky situations who will no longer be able to access safe routes of protection,” she said. The former diplomat indicated that this policy could push many Haitians towards irregular migration routes, exposing them to human trafficking networks, extortion, abuse, and arbitrary deportations. “Closing legal channels does not solve migration, it only makes it more dangerous,” he said. Paraison also criticized the unilateral approach of the measure, considering it contrary to international treaties on the protection of refugees and human rights. “Denying entry based on nationality, without evaluating on a case-by-case basis, is collective discrimination and contradicts the international commitments of the United States,” he warned. Furthermore, he called on the international community to take a more supportive and coordinated stance in the face of the Haitian crisis. “This is not just the responsibility of the United States. The region and multilateral organizations must respond with concrete actions, not empty speeches,” he stated. Finally, Edwin Paraison asked the US administration to review its migration policy towards Haiti from a more humane perspective and consistent with the values it proclaims.