PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – Hundreds of Haitians flock to the only immigration office in Port-au-Prince every day, pressing against the bright blue gate as they strain to hear their name called, hoping they will soon be selected to lives legally in the US under the new immigration plan.
The crowd has increased since US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday the 5th that the US will admit 30,000 people a month from Haiti, Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela. Those selected will be eligible to work for two years if they have qualified sponsors and pass background checks.
Those selected will also need a passport to travel, which has caused daily congestion at the immigration office in the Haitian capital.
“I’m here to leave Haiti, but I don’t want to risk my life on the boat,” said Jennyfer Leonard, a 30-year-old teacher, referring to how dozens of Haitian migrants smuggled by boat have died in recent attempts to reach the US
“It would be nice to leave with my two children so they have a future, but I’m not ready to risk them dying along the way,” she said.
So, like hundreds of other Haitians in recent days, she opted for the recently announced legal route to the US instead of joining the tens of thousands of Haitians who have been intercepted at the US-Mexico border and deported.
On Wednesday, an aggressive crowd gathered at the immigration office under the brutal sun to apply for a passport, collect it, renew an existing one or check the status of the application.
“Is that my name? Is that my name?” shouted people every time a government official approached the gate and called someone.
Garry Saint Paul, 25, was among those waiting to pick up his passport.
He previously worked in the neighboring Dominican Republic as a hotel janitor until his contract and passport expired, forcing him to return to Haiti where he remains unemployed.
“Haiti is under siege,” he said. “Gangs are taking over. Why don’t you go if you have the chance?”
Gangs are estimated to control 60% of Port-au-Prince, becoming increasingly powerful and violent since President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his private residence in July 2021. The number of reported kidnappings rose to more than 1,200 last year, double the previous year, and 280 murders were reported in November, a monthly record, according to the UN.
“Life is really hard,” said Leonard, a teacher whose brother is a truck driver in Philadelphia and has agreed to be her financial sponsor.
Violence is also a big concern for Salomon Jean-Pierre, a 22-year-old accounting student who was standing in line near Leonard.
“The only thing Haiti promises you is death,” he said.
Jean-Pierre doesn’t have a financial sponsor yet, but he contacted his aunt in Atlanta, who said she would talk to his cousin there and see if she could help.
“I’ll get my paperwork ready just in case,” Jean-Pierre said. “I hope for the best, that Haiti will change, but I don’t see the future. … If I can do this, Atlanta, I’m coming!”
Poverty and hunger are deepening across Haiti, a country of more than 11 million people where more than 60% earn less than $2 a day. Inflation has soared into double digits as Haiti becomes more politically unstable, with its last democratically elected institution – the Senate – expiring on Tuesday.
Promises to hold legislative and general elections have yet to materialize amid concerns over rising violence.
Given the worsening situation, Saint Paul is hoping that his son-in-law in Texas will sponsor him financially for two years. He then plans to stay in the US after his residency expires.
“There’s no way I’m going back,” he said, adding that he expected the US to renew or extend the humanitarian parole plan. “I know that immigrants are what built America. America will always need immigrants.”
Associated Press writer Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico contributed to this report.
What color is a Haitian passport?
Physical appearance. The front cover is dark blue and bears the coat of arms of Haiti embossed in silver. On the same subject : Large groups of migrants have crossed into the United States, avoiding capture.
What can you do with a Haitian passport? This means that Haitian citizens can travel visa-free to countries around the world…. As of January 2023, Haitian passport holders can travel visa-free to 18 countries and territories:
- Barbados.
- Cook Islands.
- Dominica.
- Hong Kong.
- Indonesia.
- Israel.
- Malaysia.
- Micronesia.
How long does a Haitian passport last?
Passports are issued for ten (10) years for adults and five (5) years for minors under the age of 18; and no changes are allowed during this period. Any changes will require a new application and payment of a passport fee.
What is the ranking of Haiti passport 2022?
Haiti’s passport list is 93; the number of visa-free destinations that can be reached with a Haitian passport is 47. On the same subject : United States: Enforcement of Judgments in Property and Commercial Matters.
How powerful is the Haitian passport?
The Haitian passport is currently ranked 93rd among world passports, according to the Passport Guide Ranking Index. To see also : Not just high-tech: Israel also needs bus drivers and teachers.
Which Schengen country is easy to get visa in 2022?
Finland. The Nordic country, Finland, is one of the European countries for which it is easiest to get a visa. Although Finland receives a large number of applications annually, out of a total of 61,018 visa applications in 2021, 55,882 were approved. Overall, Finland has an approval rate of 98.3%.
Which European country easily grants a visa? Estonia is the easiest country to get a Schengen visa from, with only 1.5% of applications rejected in 2020. This means that 98.5% of Schengen visa applications for Estonia received a positive response. In addition, Estonia ranks no.
Which Schengen country has highest visa approval rate?
In which country is it easiest to get a Schengen visa? Lithuania was reported as the country offering the fewest visa refusals, with an approval rate of 98.7%. It may not be a trendy tourist destination like France and Germany, but it can lead to a shorter wait for the status of your visa application.
Which Schengen country is fastest to get visa?
In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to get a Schengen visa from, with officials approving 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries like Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travelers.
How can I stay in France longer than 3 months?
For any stay in France longer than 90 days, you are required to apply for a long-term visa in advance. In this case, your nationality does not exempt you from the requirement. Regardless of the length of your planned stay, the duration of your long-term visa must be between three months and one year.
How many months can an American stay in France? US citizens planning to enter and visit France as tourists do not need a visa. Citizens are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.
Can I stay in France for 90 days after my visa expires?
When traveling within the Schengen area, it is important to check the validity of your Schengen visa to ensure that you do not have an expired visa. You will not be allowed to stay in Europe after your Schengen visa expires, unless you extend it.
How do I get a long-stay visa for France?
Obtaining a long-term visa Applications must be submitted to the French embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. When processing visa applications, visa issuing authorities usually invite applicants to come to their premises in person.
How long can I stay in France with a US passport?
You can enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourism and business purposes without a visa. Immigration officers may also ask you to show sufficient funds for your intended stay and return plane ticket.
Can I go to Canada with a Haitian passport?
Haitians must have a visa to enter Canada.
How many countries can a Haitian passport enter without a visa? The Haitian passport ranking is due to the degree of global entry that it guarantees to Haitian passport holders, who can travel visa-free to 47 countries, but otherwise require a visa to access 147 countries around the world.
How can I get Canada visa from Haiti?
Visit the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for detailed guidance. You can also apply online by filling out the visa form. After you have submitted your visa application, you need to schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at the visa center.
Which country passport can enter Canada without visa?
| Country | Visa application | Permitted stay |
|---|---|---|
| Dominica | No visa required | 6 months |
| Dominican Republic | No visa required | 90 days |
| Ecuador | No visa required | 90 days |
| Egypt | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days |
