By Shanieka Smith
Staff Writer
#USA, January 15, 2023 – U.S. President, Joe Biden announced on January 3, 2023, that 30,000 people will be allowed entry monthly from Haiti, Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela. Those selected will need a passport to enter, which has resulted in hundreds of Haitians gathering at immigration daily with the hope their name will be called.
Vehicle horns and people’s shouts echo in video currently making rounds on social media, where people are bombarding the office to get their passports. The entire area is congested; vehicles are finding it difficult to seamlessly pass through.
The immigration plans require participants to work in the country for two years after the relevant background checks have been passed.
Among those at the immigration office was 30-year-old teacher, Jennyfer Leonard who said she wants to leave the country but refuses to risk her life by smuggling on boats like other Haitians. Several boats carrying migrants have recently been stopped at the U.S. – Mexico border.
“Haiti is under siege…Gangs are taking over. Why not leave if you get the opportunity?” said Garry Saint Paul, who also made reference to the recent resignation of the last remaining members of parliament.
