In Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, locals are assessing President Trump’s most recent travel restriction, which prohibits Haitian individuals along with those from eleven additional nations from entering the U.S. This policy goes into effect on Monday, leaving Haitians uncertain about its implications for their future.
Haitian migrant Marcelin states that the ban shuts a door on individuals who desperately require assistance.
Haiti currently faces an issue with security. The nation belongs to us, so we cannot abandon it. Nevertheless, since gangs dominate the country, every person’s safety is threatened. This is why individuals who have the chance opt to go to the United States for protection.
A series of natural calamities and humanitarian emergencies, along with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, has plunged the Caribbean nation into turmoil. Currently, violent gangs control approximately 80 percent of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, leaving residents grappling with severe economic hardship and food shortages.
On Thursday, Haitian radio stations were inundated with angry phone calls from people protesting against the ban.
A significant number of the callers were Haitian Americans who strongly condemned President Trump.
Jonathan Didier is a resident of Haiti:
President Donald Trump could make a positive difference if he assisted the nation more. Many of these choices are unfavorable, as numerous individuals require support. Recovery is possible since Haitians possess resilience and a remarkable heritage. However, Trump’s term is limited to just four years; his presidency won’t last indefinitely.
The members of Haiti's interim Presidential Council have not yet addressed the imposed travel restrictions.
With the continuous unrest leading to violence, no commercial flights are currently operating at Haiti’s principal international airport. As such, individuals looking to depart from Haiti are primarily using the northern port city of Cap-Haitien for their travel needs.
In the meantime, assistance organizations have cautioned that the restriction could hinder their operations.
Bad for business
In Miami, Wilkinson Sejour, who is 55 years old, owns 10 Haitian eateries throughout South Florida. He has resided in the United States for many years and launched his inaugural eatery back in 1992.
Sejour indicates that the effect of the recent travel restriction announced by the White House earlier this week will extend beyond Haiti and into local Haitian communities residing in the United States.
Although he doesn't have any immediate relatives in Haiti, he mentioned that the majority of both his staff and clientele originate from this country.
This travel restriction will impact everybody, including businessmen conducting their affairs," Sejour stated to the Associated Press near one of his Chef Creole Restaurants in Little Haiti. "There’s a ripple effect...it's like knocking over dominos.
He mentioned that sales will be affected, his staff will face consequences, and ultimately the quality of service at the restaurants will also suffer.
Sejour views the ban on Haitians as politically motivated.
He pointed out that it was targeted, mentioning that the majority of Haitian Americans align with the Democratic Party. 'If most Haitians were Republicans, perhaps the tone regarding this issue would be different,' he suggested.
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