Dear Friends:

We have a real opportunity to help our Haitian brothers and sisters stranded in the United States as violence and instability continue in Haiti.  I ask for your immediate support of S. 2187, The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness (HRIFA) Improvement Act of 2004 as introduced by Senators Graham, DeWine, Durbin, Lautenberg and Kennedy.

Passing this legislation would resolve the terrible dilemma facing hundreds of undocumented Haitian parents stranded in the United States and therefore subject to deportation, leaving their US citizen children behind.   These parents fled violence Haiti in the late seventies and early eighties with false papers � a consequence of trying to escape a despotic regime.  At present, this circumstance denies them access to permanent residence.  However, the issue of false passports is not a barrier for other refugees seeking permanent US residence. Haitians are the victims of a discriminatory policy that could be easily corrected with the passage of S. 2187 which would mean giving these Haitians a chance to apply for permanent US residence.  These few hundred persons could remain legally in the US with their children and continue their lives as law abiding members of our society.  The alternative is likely deportation to war ravaged Haiti.

I ask you to register your support for S. 2187 immediately as we have a limited window of opportunity to pass this legislation.  You can call the US Capital Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for the office of your senators.  This is a winnable issue if we weigh in soon.

Thanks for your support.
C. Richard Parkins
Director

Please write, fax, and/or call your senators
 or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator.

Download a sample letter.

Thank you! Your involvement makes a world of difference and is greatly appreciated!