The violence and unrest in Haiti has reached a fever pitch with the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, throwing the Caribbean country into deeper turmoil. While Republicans anticipate preventing the fleeing populace from entering the United States en masse, Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) recently called instead for Haitians to receive Temporary Protected Status, saying, "It’s our moral obligation to stand in solidarity with Haiti."
NBC gave a rundown on the unfolding horror Haiti is subject to, describing how Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, who supposedly earned the moniker for burning people alive, has led an armed uprising against the Henry government, forcing its dissolution. Rumors spread about Cherizier's forces engaging in cannibalism, although the initial footage starting the rumors was later found to be from two years ago and unrelated to current events.
"In the face of dire circumstances, where over 160,000 people in Port-au-Prince alone have been displaced, compassion and solidarity must be our guiding principles – not exclusion and aggression," Rep. Frost said in his press release, adding that "The United States needs to use every tool at our disposal to help restore stability and protect innocent Haitians."
However, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) recently announced he would send additional resources to prevent Haitians from arriving by boat to Florida, and Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) recently spoke with the Department of Defense in a hearing, where they confirmed they are planning in anticipation of mass migration.
Rep. Frost criticized Gov. DeSantis in his statement, accusing him of staging "yet another inhumane and morally reprehensible political stunt," likely referring to the relocation of approximately 50 illegal immigrants to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, in September 2022.
"It’s our moral obligation to stand in solidarity with Haiti, provide humanitarian aid, help end the cycle of unrest, and support Haiti in its quest for autonomy and prosperity – which is why I continue to call for the re-designation of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians as the situation only worsens," Rep. Frost continued.
To this end, he further announced a March 26th roundtable with members of the Haitian diaspora in his district "to hear their stories and address Haiti’s calls for assistance with urgency, empathy, and solidarity."
