Haitian Immigrants: Political Refugees or Economic Escapees?

Authors

Martin M. Dernis

Abstract

The article examines the recent immigration of Haitians to the United States and their claims for political asylum. Pointing to the present political situation in Haiti, the author takes issue with the United States Government's official position that these aliens are merely economic escapees, rather than refugees entitled by international agreement to political asylum. In analyzing the Haitian experience, the author also deals with the problems associated with deportation proceedings and the alien's right to counsel, employment authorization for aliens, and fraudulent marriages. While these latter problems may not be unique to Haitian immigrants, they have become particularly salient in light of the Government's contention that these aliens are economic escapees.

Recommended Citation

Martin M. Dernis, Haitian Immigrants: Political Refugees or Economic Escapees?, 31 U. Mia. L. Rev. 27 (1976)
Available at: https://repository.law.miami.edu/umlr/vol31/iss1/3