Haitians in Miami essays

Haitians in Miami essays Alex Stepick III examines the underlying causes and consequences of the Haitian presence in Miami and finds: (1) A consistent U.S. federal policy designed to repress the flow of Haitian refugees to Miami that was impeded by its own illegality, by political support from Black Americans and national church, civil, and human rights organizations, and by the coincidental arrival and initial welcome of Mariel Cuban refugees. (2) A contrast between negative stereotypes of the Haitians and the reality of a diverse Haitian population, with some having comfortable middle-class life-styles and others being among the countrys most suffering immigrants. (3) Their difficulties, afflicting even those relatively well-off Haitians. He asserts that these difficulties do not occur because of Haitians attitudes, behaviors, or skills. Rather, the majority of the Miamians have discriminated against Haitians. 1970s: A wave of hysteria swept the people of south Florida. There was an unfounded fear that tuberculosis was endemic among Haitians. Many Haitians lost their jobs, and negative stereotypes and fears of Haitians became firmly embedded in the general south Florida population. There was this stereotype that Haitians were disease-ridden, uneducated and unskilled. This was misleading and unfounded. Often Haitian refugees were semiskilled, had some education. A typical refugee had completed only an average of four to six years of formal education. Fewer than 5 percent had graduated from high school. Members of south Floridas political elite-including Democratic party members, elected officials, and some Cubans-believed that the boat people were a disruptive force, destroying the community and draining public resources. The INS expends a far greater effort in controlling the flow of Haitians than before. 1980s: Centers for Disease Control announced that ...