Haitian migrants Martino Augustil and Dieuvert Novembre face uncertainty in Spokane following the revocation of Temporary Protected Status. They seek stability and the opportunity to reunite with family while contributing to the local workforce. Despite the threat of deportation, they are embraced by supportive employers and continue to strive for a better future amidst rising tensions around immigration policy.
Martino Augustil and Dieuvert Novembre are Haitian migrants who arrived in Spokane after several months in Mexico. They were approved for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which allows migrants from unsafe countries to stay in the U.S. temporarily. While they yearn for their families in Haiti to join them, their future has become uncertain with changing political landscapes in the United States.
Haiti has faced long-term instability, with the latest surge of emigration due to a governmental collapse last year. The U.S. has offered TPS to Haitians since 2010 after a severe earthquake. However, on February 20, 2018, President Trump revoked TPS for Haitian migrants, which has left many, including Augustil and Novembre, faced with unexpected employment challenges.
Katia Jasmin, founder of Creole Resources, is actively advocating for their case and others like it. Working with organizations such as the Spokane Alliance and the Teamsters, she helped find jobs for Augustil and Novembre at Peirone Produce, the area’s top distributor of fruits and vegetables. By hiring them, Peirone aims to capitalize on an often overlooked potential workforce.
Union membership at their workplace affords Augustil and Novembre better employee protections, offering access to healthcare, pensions, and educational resources. Tasked with organizing warehouse orders, they utilize headsets that facilitate communication in Haitian Creole, making their integration into the workforce smoother.
Despite their need for stability, the looming threat of deportation worries many Haitians. Their participation in TPS subjects them to scrutiny. However, Augustil and Novembre, hailing from a safer rural area of Haiti, express less fear about returning, hoping any transition could be dignified.
Wayne Boggs, Peirone’s director of operations, highlights the importance of diversity in the workplace and is committed to protecting his employees. He is aware of potential deportation threats and is prepared to advocate for his workers’ rights. He believes that diversity is a strength and a necessity for future competitiveness.
The situation for Haitian migrants in Spokane reflects broader national tensions regarding immigration. As of July 2023, around half a million Haitians reside in the U.S. under TPS, facing a precarious existence amidst misinformation and societal biases. Haitian migrants have shared horrific migration stories, emphasizing the dangers they escape.
The TPS program, by design, is temporary, intended to protect individuals until their home country improves. However, the conditions in Haiti have not improved and in fact, have deteriorated, with ongoing gang violence leading to mass displacement. Boggs attributes the changing national demographics as a significant aspect to recognize as America evolves further away from its historic identity.
For now, many Haitian migrants like Augustil and Novembre strive for stability in their new environment, prompted by the desire for a prosperous future. Sauveur, serving as a translator, expresses faith in a higher power during these trying times, indicating resilience among the migrant community. They aim to make the most out of their current opportunities and contribute positively to their new homes.
The plight of Haitian migrants in Spokane signifies the complexities surrounding immigration, with many seeking refuge from dire circumstances. While programs like TPS provide temporary relief, their uncertain future under changing political climates poses substantial challenges. The stories of individuals like Augustil and Novembre underscore the essential contributions migrants make to communities, revealing a pressing need for compassion and understanding within contemporary discourse on immigration policy.
Original Source: favs.news
