U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek Letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Regarding Haitian Nationals

Meek requests that Haitian nationals that have demonstrated credible fear of persecution be released into the community pending asylum hearings

 

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) wrote a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff requesting that the Haitian nationals who came ashore in South Florida on March 28, 2007 and demonstrated credible fear of persecution during interviews with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials be released into the community pending their asylum hearings.

The letters were also sent to the Hon. Julie L. Myers, Assistant Secretary at U.S. ICE and Michael Rozos, Field Office Director of the U.S. ICE in Miami.

Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) represents parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, including Little Haiti. He is the lone Floridian serving on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

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April 19, 2007

Dear Secretary Chertoff, Assistant Secretary Myers and Field Office Director Rozos:

I write to request that the Haitian nationals who came ashore in South Florida on March 28, 2007 and have demonstrated credible fear of persecution during interviews with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials be released into the community pending their asylum hearings.

Detainees who are sequestered before their hearings from their families and friends, and who are denied the support of our strong community, are at a significant disadvantage in preparing their asylum cases. In this particular instance, in which detainees came to the U.S. after twenty-two days at sea, confinement adds unnecessary and unjustifiable hardship to their circumstance. Additionally, two of these detainees are reportedly pregnant.

These Haitians should be released into our community, which has already demonstrated the willingness and the ability to accept and support them. I spoke with the Archbishop of Miami today, who offered to provide room and board as well as access to health care and other social services for these Haitians. Our legal community has already ensured that each has counsel.

You have the discretionary authority to order their release, and I urge you to use your authority in this case.

Sincerely yours,

KENDRICK B. MEEK
Member of Congress

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