These past two weeks working with Catholic Legal Services, I have been doing mostly translations from English to Haitian Creole- this has not been the most enriching or thrilling experience but I’m thankful I could help in some manner and looking forward to more law oriented work.
Recently, though, my cohort learned a specific plight that many immigrants unfortunately face. Haitian immigrants who sought asylum in another nation are treated below citizens in that nation. In the Bahamas, Brazil, and Chile, Haitian asylees could be paid less than citizens, not prioritized in healthcare, and victims of racism. When these asylees attempt to relocate and apply for asylum in the U.S., because of the conditions they face, the U.S. ultimately rejects them because another nation has given them “asylum.” This is a severe issue because it allows the U.S. to get away with turning away asylees that are in need. My heart also breaks for these aslyees, because they are not able to receive peace and contentment and are constantly on the move. As a Haitian immigrant myself, any of these asylees could have been me.
I hope to be able to work on this issue. I’ve learned fighting injustices is a passion for me especially in cases where it is my community being affected.