Calling All Haitians Abroad: Your Homeland Needs You Now
By Johnny Celestin and Louis-Philippe Kernisan
This year, on May 18th, Haiti celebrated the 220th anniversary of its hard-won independence. While a day of immense national pride, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that cast a long shadow over the country – gang violence, economic decline, and political instability. These issues stifle Haiti's potential.
While a day of immense national pride, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that cast a long shadow over the country – gang violence, economic decline, and political instability. These issues stifle Haiti's potential.
The Haitian diaspora is as diverse as it is dynamic, encompassing people like ourselves: Johnny who left Haiti decades ago, returned to Haiti after the earthquake, and now resides in the US. It also includes Louis-Phillipe who served in the US Army before returning to Haiti to establish a private security company and contribute his expertise to our homeland’s safety and stability. The diaspora also encompasses recent arrivals who came under programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) – known colloquially as “the Biden Program.”
Together, we share a common vision, which is to see our beloved Haiti reclaim its rightful place in the family of nations. We are all eager to be part of the solution.
The Diaspora: a Force for Change?
More than two and a half years after President Jovenel Moïse's assassination, Haiti's political landscape has seen some positive developments. The establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council (PC) offers a glimmer of hope. This development came nearly eight months after the UN Security Council approved the deployment of a stabilization force through Resolution 2699. Led by Kenya and including forces from several CARICOM nations who are being trained by Canada, this mission is eagerly awaited by the desperate Haitian population. As Haiti embarks on this new chapter, the diaspora's role is pivotal, both within Haiti and especially from our adopted country, the United States.
How is the Diaspora Seen?
The Haitian diaspora is often viewed through two contrasting lenses: one as the repository of Haiti's intellectual elite, and the other as a crucial financial lifeline through remittances.
Personal remittances received in Billions $
Remittances, which totaled $4.25 billion in 2023, provide essential support for Haitian families and help prevent deeper poverty. However, they have not spurred broader economic growth and may even have unintended negative effects. Haitian communities abroad, especially in the United States, are incredibly diverse. This diversity challenges the traditional definition of who belongs to the "diaspora." The Center for Immigration Studies, using census data from February 2024, reports that "A total of 1.5 million people living in the United States were either born in Haiti or have a parent born there." However, this data fails to capture the full extent of the growth and dynamism of the Haitian community within the United States. The diaspora encompasses individuals from all educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, with a significant concentration in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut.
As of April 2024, according to the US Customs and Border Protection agency, over 184,600 Haitians have been approved for travel under the CHNV program, with more than 166,700 arriving legally and receiving parole. Additionally, there are 116,505 individuals residing in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This rapid influx highlights the diaspora's dynamism and the need to broaden our understanding of who is part of it.
Many of the recent arrivals are young and well-educated but often face a skills gap between their qualifications and available jobs. Despite opportunities in the U.S., many in the diaspora still face educational and economic challenges. However, their experiences can be valuable assets for Haiti if they choose to return. This large and diverse group has the potential to play a critical role in Haiti's development, utilizing their skills and knowledge to contribute to the nation's progress and stability. To truly thrive, collaboration is essential. The biggest hurdle Haiti faces is persistent insecurity, closely followed by the urgent need for sustainable economic growth. To achieve this, Haiti needs the active participation and talents of all its children – especially those in the diaspora.
How Can We Break Down the Barriers to Participation?
Realizing the diaspora's full potential requires a two-pronged approach:
Strategies to ease reintegration and support returning Haitians in contributing their skills and expertise, and
Establish systems that actively promote foreign investment and participation from the diaspora.
Historically, some Haitian leaders have viewed the diaspora with suspicion, fearing competition or cultural clashes. However, success stories like Louis-Philippe's security firm and Johnny's successful integration demonstrate the transformative potential of diaspora involvement. These examples highlight the importance of perseverance and the significant contributions the diaspora can make.
We are not alone in this pursuit. The diaspora's growing influence is evident in several key efforts breaking down barriers to participation.
This growing influence of the diaspora is evident in several key initiatives. The Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti, alongside the Coalition of Haitian-American Organizations of the Chicagoland Area, advocacy resulted in the US Congress passing Resolution 1241, known as the "Louverture Investment Plan." This legislation calls for the establishment of a comprehensive, long-term development program, calling for $50 billion over ten years to rebuild Haiti. Organizations such as The Haitian American Foundation for Democracy (HAFFD) and the Haitian Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development (FOHPDD) have also been pivotal. Their tireless advocacy, negotiation, and mobilization efforts—both within Haiti and internationally—have significantly shaped the diaspora’s integration.
Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph's candidacy for Prime Minister underscores the diaspora’s interest. She was one of only two women and three diaspora members to run for the position. Her efforts, along with those of the Haitian Congress, HAFFD, and FOHPDD have laid a solid foundation for ongoing engagement by the diaspora in Haiti and abroad. With his recent appointment, Dr. Gary Conille, a member of the diaspora, returned to Haiti as Prime Minister. With the Presidential Council, he will start forming a new government and has committed to at least 30% representation of women, youth, and the diaspora, showcasing a commitment to inclusive governance. These examples highlight the critical role the diaspora can play in addressing Haiti's challenges.
How can the Diaspora Contribute from Abroad and Within Haiti?
We hold immense potential to contribute to Haiti's future, both from abroad and upon returning home, especially with one of our own in office. Here are some key ways we can make a positive impact:
Civic Engagement and Political Advocacy: Engage in the political systems of your adopted countries. Register to vote and support candidates who champion Haitian interests. Identify and support US-based organizations in your regions involved in advocacy and lobbying for legislative changes that benefit Haiti, such as repealing the Leahy Amendment.
Security Sector Expertise: Haitian Americans with military and law enforcement experience can improve Haiti's security forces by sharing knowledge and best practices. They can also work with think tanks or form groups to publish their recommendations publicly and help advance the policy debates focused on Haiti.
Promoting Justice and Accountability: Advocate for the prosecution of corrupt officials and those who support gangs. This includes pressuring foreign governments to uphold sanctions and demanding action from within Haiti.
Promoting National Identity: Develop a "homecoming campaign" to encourage diaspora visits and cultural exchange. This campaign could involve heritage tours, mentorship programs connecting youth in Haiti with diaspora professionals, and educational initiatives that foster a strong sense of national identity among the younger generation. Restoring historical sites, particularly those associated with Haitian heroes, can further strengthen these bonds.
Fostering Investment Opportunities: Create a network of Haitian Chambers of Commerce in the United States, focusing on major Haitian diaspora populations in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. These chambers can partner with existing chambers in Haiti to facilitate investment opportunities. This collaboration can bridge the gap between Haitian entrepreneurs seeking capital and potential investors in the diaspora. The US-based chambers can leverage their understanding of American business practices and regulations to help navigate investment hurdles, while Haitian chambers can provide local insights and expertise. This network would effectively connect Haiti's economic development with global markets.
Haitian Diaspora: Our Homeland Needs Us
Our homeland needs our help now more than ever. By actively engaging in various ways, we can play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for Haiti. This includes political advocacy, sharing security expertise, promoting justice and accountability, fostering investment opportunities, and directly participating in Haiti's development.
Remittances alone cannot solve Haiti's challenges. However, a strategically engaged diaspora, working collaboratively with Haitian institutions and leaders, can effectively address issues like gang violence, economic stagnation, and political instability. The success stories highlighted here – from the "Louverture Investment Plan" to HAFFD and FOHPDD’s advocacy, Dr. Joseph’s candidacy, and Dr. Conille’s recent appointment as Prime Minister – demonstrate the transformative potential of the diaspora's involvement.
As Prime Minister, Dr. Conille's success hinges on the full support and integration of all Haitians, especially the diaspora. This critical juncture demands that we, the children of Haiti both within and beyond its borders, rekindle the unwavering spirit that secured our independence. Together, as one Haiti, and with the inclusion of both those within its borders and across the globe, we can build a safer and more stable future for our beloved nation. This will require a concerted effort, both from the diaspora abroad and through our direct engagement on the ground in Haiti.
Haiti Policy House is a not-for-profit institution focusing on Haitian public policy issues. Its research is nonpartisan. Haiti Policy House does not take specific policy positions. Accordingly, all views, positions, and conclusions expressed in this publication should be understood to be solely those of the author(s).
© 2024 by Haiti Policy House. All rights reserved.
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