CONTACT:
Kristia Winter
KWinter@council.nyc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK ––– Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus, and daughter of Haitian immigrants issued the following statement on the Biden Administration’s mass expulsion of Haitian migrants in Del Rio, Texas.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER FARAH LOUIS

“I am absolutely disgusted with the Biden Administration and the inhumane treatment of our Haitian sisters and brothers in Del Rio, Texas. Haitian American elected officials across the country are working collaboratively to support the families who are being processed to determine their next steps. The U.S. is supposed to lead by example, extending compassion and treating human beings with dignity and respect. Instead, we have seen an expeditious expulsion, which contradicts the Administration’s recognition of the ongoing political and health crises in Haiti within the last two months that have caused thousands to seek refuge elsewhere. The escalation of humanitarian crises in other countries is nothing new and as the ‘land of opportunity,’ we should have put a humane immigration system in place long ago that would allow for safe, legal entry without millions risking their lives to escape violence. The suppression of Black people, partially from the Caribbean or West Indies, despite our contributions through public service, local economy, and cultural footprint throughout this nation’s history speaks volumes. We are here to make it clear that we will persist until these deportations cease and Haitian migrants are given the same opportunity to seek asylum like so many others who arrived here before them.”

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which comprises Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions. She is also a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.

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