FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2024
CONTACT:
Dulce Guzmán | dguzman@alianzaamericas.org (224) 480-7094
Alianza Americas, a network of organizations led by immigrants of Latin American and Caribbean origin in the United States, takes note with great concern of the decision of the Department of Homeland Security to suspend the humanitarian parole program for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan nationals due to potential fraud investigations. "Humanitarian parole has proven to be the most effective policy to reduce unauthorized migration. It casts light on the fact that creating legal pathways for migration is the best antidote to irregular migration,” said Helena Olea, deputy director of programs at Alianza Americas.
The situation in Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, far from improving, has worsened, forcing more people to leave these four countries. Cuba is undergoing a severe economic crisis, leading the government to describe it as a war economy. In addition, recently enacted legal changes allow the Cuban government to revoke citizenship for Cuban nationals. In Haiti, efforts to control organized crime and establish a functioning government face multiple challenges. As conditions of insecurity and instability continue in Haiti, shipwrecks of boats with people desperate to leave the country are a reflection of the seriousness of the situation. The Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua continues its repression against its opposition. The erosion of the rule of law and inflation have made life in the country increasingly difficult. Finally, in the aftermath of the July 28 elections, Venezuela faces serious allegations of electoral fraud and repression against the opposition. The multiple factors that forced as many as 8 million Venezuelans over the past ten years have become even more accentuated.
Humanitarian travel permits are a solution that appeals to family, community, and solidarity networks. They are a promising policy that should result in the authorized entry of up to 360,000 people annually, who can apply for work permits, find temporary respite, or seek asylum. "It is essential that humanitarian travel permits be re-established considering the difficult situations facing Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cuba. We urge the Biden Administration to resume this humanitarian parole program as soon as possible,” Olea concluded.
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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America.
