Congressional Campaign for Haitians Gains New Focus

On February 11, Representative Carrie Meek (D-FL) held a meeting in Washington, DC with advocates to discuss pending legislation favoring adjustment of status for Haitians. The meeting brought together a wide range of groups from New York, Miami and the Capital. Congressman Gregory Meek, the newly elected representative from Queens, and Congressman Owens' chief of staff also attended.

Everyone agreed that it was important that S. 1504, which is scheduled for a mark-up on March 10, be adopted by the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration. S. 1504 is "The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1997" introduced by Senator Bob Graham (D-FL). It differs slightly from the bill introduced by Representative Meek in the House (H.R. 3033) in that it seeks to provide permanent residency to Haitian asylum-seekers and parolees in the U.S. before December 31, 1995 while Meek's includes all Haitians in the U.S. before the same cut-off date. Having a bill on behalf of Haitians voted and passed on the Senate side will increase the likelihood that legislation gets passed in both houses in Congress.

Haitian groups throughout the US are urged to contact their Senators prompting them to support Senator Graham's bill thus creating a momentum in the Senate to ensure the bill's successful passage. Here is a sample letter that you can adapt to your taste.

Advocates have a tougher fight on their hands since Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) has made it clear that he does not favor a bill granting permanent residency to Haitians just as it was granted to Nicaraguans. To overcome Smith's opposition, Haitian advocates are urged to contact their representatives to get additional co-sponsors for both the Meek bill (H.R. 3033) and the Conyers bill (H.R. 3049) -- which mirrors S. 1504.

There was discussion at the meeting of a rally in Washington, DC on March 23 where hundreds of Haitian advocates could be brought together to demonstrate support for fairness and equity for Haitians.

SAMPLE LETTER FOR EQUAL TREATMENT OF HAITIANS