For further Information, contact:
Jocelyn McCalla, (212) 337-0005

Haitian Rights Coalition Applauds President Clinton’s Stand On Latino Immigration Fairness Act

The National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR) praised President Clinton’s support of the Latino Immigration Fairness Act (LIFA) and his resolve to veto the Commerce, Justice and States Appropriation Act if LIFA and other measures were not included in the bill now before Congress.

"The Republican Congressional leadership has had several months to consider the provisions of LIFA. To introduce counterproposals in the last hours of this congressional session neither honors their office, nor does justice to the immigration issues dear to our heart," said Mr. Jocelyn McCalla, NCHR’s Executive Director.

LIFA seeks to redress inequities that were introduced in 1996 and 1997 when the Republican Congress pushed through a series of punitive measures and selective immigration benefits that were exclusionary. LIFA seeks to level the playing field for Haitians and Central Americans who were in situations similar to that of Cubans and Nicaraguans who were granted legal residence irrespective of the manner that they entered the US. Additionally, LIFA includes two other measures that strengthen immigrant family unity and growth, the cornerstones of human and economic development.

"We join with other organizations in rejecting the last-minute Republican proposals, and urge others to do the same."

The National Coalition for Haitian Rights is an organization founded in 1982 that seeks to promote the rights of Haitians in the US and abroad in accordance with US and international law.