Statement of Jocelyn McCalla, Executive Director of NCHR

We are pleased to stand here today, shoulder to shoulder with Congressional and community leaders, in support of the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act that seeks to do a simple thing: extend fair treatment to Haitian refugees because they deserve it.

The broad support that this bipartisan initiative has generated over several months is proof that this is not the work product of special interests. Indeed, many in the United States believe that the Haitian refugees - who were saved from persecution by the Haitian military and have since built homes and productive lives here deserve the continued protection of the US.

As Congress wraps up this session, it has a unique opportunity to do what is right. The rewards are many. Among them is the possibility that these Haitian refugees will join the growing ranks of enterprising business leaders who create jobs and opportunities through new initiatives. Dumas Simeus, who was born in Haiti of poor and illiterate parents, did just that a few years ago. By the force of his intelligence and the courage of his convictions, Mr. Simeus has risen to occupy some of the highest responsibilities in the private sector. Today, he owns and operates the largest Black-owned business in the State of Texas. Or they might write as good a prose as Edwidge Danticat who is widely praised for her sensitivity and her writing.

Doing right by Haitians should be a no-brainer. The Haitian Fairness Act is now part of the Treasury/Postal appropriations bill that will be considered soon by Congress, It must remain there.