“In Haiti, Desperation is a Way of Life” Summarized by Matthew Reid
Main Point: Haitians, plagued by political oppression
and deep poverty, have no hope in their country’s future and continue to
flee.
Summary: The Reagan Administration is concerned with Haiti not only because of immigration but because the political and economic situation there has created an atmosphere of unrest that may make Haiti ripe for a Cuban takeover. But even Castro seems unwilling to acquire the tumultuous, poor, and overcrowded nation. The country is run by tyrant-for-life Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier and it is his rule, poverty, and hunger that drive people off the island. Almost the whole country lives! in deep poverty. The primary source of income is farming but every year more and more crops disappear along with other exportable resources like timber.
The capital, Port-au-Prince, is no better with over 50% unemployment. There is such an atmosphere of desperation and resources are so scarce that people are forced to either steal or starve. President Duvalier’s extremely oppressive and violent rule––less so than his father before him––adds to the country’s economic problems as it is full of graft and more concerned with the daily intrigue amongst the powerful. Hurricane Allen in 1980 also hurt economically: ! wiping out crops and tourism.
Some see hope for Haiti as US companies currently employ 60,000 Haitians on the island and with low wages more companies may be relocating there. But Haitians aren’t waiting around for potential jobs and immigration still remains a preferential solution.
US policy to deal with Haitian immigration:
1) Those who land in the US and do not qualify for political asylum are sent back by plane.
2) US Coast Guard is picking up immigrants at sea and turning them back.3) The White House is looking to increase aid to Haiti that will focus on increasing trade and investment.