The never-ending odyssey of Haitian undocumented migrants

[Dolores]

Journalist Jorge Gonzalez of El Nacional typifies what indigent and undocumented Haitians go through as the violence and chaos in Haiti expels them to cross the 391 km land border in search for the living they cannot make at home.

He tells the story of 24-year old Haitian Ariel Jean, a lanky young adult, who has found work here in construction. He tells of the constant fear that accompanies Jean now that the Migration Agency has stepped up efforts to curtail the increasing flow of Haitians to this side of the island.

“The clandestine life of Haitians in the Dominican Republic is a constant struggle for survival,” he writes. He writes about the many times Ariel Jean has been caught by Migration agents, and loaded on the migration van that will begin his deportation process.

Ariel Jean says he was 15 years old when he sought out a relative who had been living in...

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[windeguy]

I call it Project Boomerang. Throw them across the border and they return. Rinse and Reapeat.

 

[drstock]

Unfortunately, the story of the person mentioned in the article is like so many others. Until something is done about the situation in Haiti, honest, hardworking people will always try to get out and live and work here. As we all know, the problem seems impossible to resolve, but the international community must do everything possible to do so. We can only hope.

 

[windeguy]

Nothing can be done about the situation in Haiti. Project Boomerang will continue.

 

[NanSanPedro]

Unfortunately, the story of the person mentioned in the article is like so many others. Until something is done about the situation in Haiti, honest, hardworking people will always try to get out and live and work here. As we all know, the problem seems impossible to resolve, but the international community must do everything possible to do so. We can only hope.

I don't agree about the international community. That's too nebulous a concept.

I do agree that individuals and local churches can and should help other individuals and churches in Haiti.

 

[CristoRey]

Bounty placed. Bounty paid.
Good riddance!

😎👌 MAYOR GIVES 50 THOUSAND PESOS TO THOSE WHO GOT THE HAITIAN "NITO"​

 

[JD Jones]

They gotta be careful with this. It could turn into a business.

 

[chico bill]

It's one thing to be against unchecked immigration. No one wants that.
But Haitians are escaping hell on earth.
They have that option or a life of nothing but violence and poverty.
They don't help their cause by having too many children. I never understand why those who can least afford it think a multitude of children will help their situation.
But I can't fault them for wanting to find some type of life. And I know several Haitians who are great people and only want the simplest form of existence

 

[livio]

It's one thing to be against unchecked immigration. No one wants that.
But Haitians are escaping hell on earth.
They have that option or a life of nothing but violence and poverty.
They don't help their cause by having too many children. I never understand why those who can least afford it think a multitude of children will help their situation.
But I can't fault them for wanting to find some type of life. And I know several Haitians who are great people and only want the simplest form of existence

You’re absolutely right, it's truly heartbreaking. Since you clearly feel so strongly about giving Haitians a chance at a better life, could you go ahead and send me your address? I’ll make sure to pass it along so a few families can head your way. I mean, they just want the “simplest form of existence,” right? What better place to start than your guest room?

We’ll even make sure they know you understand their struggle and think it’s only kind of their fault for having too many kids. I’m sure that’ll make them feel super welcome.

Honestly, it’s refreshing to see such compassionate armchair humanitarianism. So generous as long as it’s someone else’s backyard

 

[CristoRey]

Honestly, it’s refreshing to see such compassionate armchair humanitarianism. So generous as long as it’s someone else’s backyard

100%

 

[bob saunders]

What is disgusting is they( police and immigration) wait until Saturday after the workers get paid then stop them so they can get their bribe money.

 

[windeguy]

They gotta be careful with this. It could turn into a business.

What is disgusting is they( police and immigration) wait until Saturday after the workers get paid then stop them so they can get their bribe money.

It already has been and is a business, no?

 

[CristoRey]

What is disgusting is they( police and immigration) wait until Saturday after the workers get paid then stop them so they can get their bribe money.

When it comes to the PN, it's never personal, always business with those guys.

 

[chico bill]

You’re absolutely right, it's truly heartbreaking. Since you clearly feel so strongly about giving Haitians a chance at a better life, could you go ahead and send me your address? I’ll make sure to pass it along so a few families can head your way. I mean, they just want the “simplest form of existence,” right? What better place to start than your guest room?

We’ll even make sure they know you understand their struggle and think it’s only kind of their fault for having too many kids. I’m sure that’ll make them feel super welcome.

Honestly, it’s refreshing to see such compassionate armchair humanitarianism. So generous as long as it’s someone else’s backyard

Trust me I'm supporting 2 families of Haitians. I put my money where my mouth is.
I'm not saying more should come but I'm not a hypocrite

 

[windeguy]

A neighbor of mine just told me he has spent thousands of dollars for bribes to allow Haitians back into the DR.

 

[drstock]

You’re absolutely right, it's truly heartbreaking. Since you clearly feel so strongly about giving Haitians a chance at a better life, could you go ahead and send me your address? I’ll make sure to pass it along so a few families can head your way. I mean, they just want the “simplest form of existence,” right? What better place to start than your guest room?

We’ll even make sure they know you understand their struggle and think it’s only kind of their fault for having too many kids. I’m sure that’ll make them feel super welcome.

Honestly, it’s refreshing to see such compassionate armchair humanitarianism. So generous as long as it’s someone else’s backyard

That's a pretty disgusting response to someone who just showed a little compassion for people who are suffering. You don't know what Chico Bill or anyone else here personally does to help people in need. What I know is that there are several members here who do so.

 

[livio]

That's a pretty disgusting response to someone who just showed a little compassion for people who are suffering. You don't know what Chico Bill or anyone else here personally does to help people in need. What I know is that there are several members here who do so.

Fair point, you’re right that I don’t know what anyone here does privately. But my response was aimed at the disconnect between expressing compassion and avoiding any real responsibility. If that stung, maybe it hit a nerve worth examining.