Migration and Identity

Migration is an interesting lens with which to view Haiti and the United States, Neither would exist without migration. Immigrants to each country displaced Native Indian populations. Slaves were forced to come to each. People in Haiti and the US are mobile.

America has a tradition of immigration. As a result of political unrest, Haiti has developed a tradition of emigration. Though the media would lead one to believe otherwise, most Haitians would prefer to stay in Haiti with the caveat that they would like to stay in Haiti with a job, an education, and security. If they can't find that in Haiti, they will try somewhere else--given the opportunity.

Other countries have this tradition. Over years of conflict, many Lebanese migrated from their country much to the benefit of many developing countries where they became the business class. Were every Lebanese person in the world to return to Lebanon, it would be a disaster.

Haiti has developed a Diaspora. Not a global Diaspora on par with Lebanon's but one that is large enough. Haitians no longer migrate only to New York, Miami, Boston, and Montreal. The Washington DC metro area alone has 30,000. Chicago has a fair sized community. My brother has run into several Haitians in Cleveland of all places.

In order to make migration work for Haiti, it will be critical to engage the Diaspora. Within the Diaspora there is leadership, skills, and resources. But is there will? There is not necessarily a tradition of remaining engaged. Sure, people send remittances and follow the news but the Diaspora is not yet a political force to be reckoned with as Cubans in Florida are.

There are several reasons for this. The Haitian government tends to dis-empower the Diaspora. Dual citizenship prevents one from holding higher office. Communities tend to not trust the Diaspora. I’ve seen many Diaspora come back to make a difference, but I’ve also seen some who came back just to scam their communities where they grew up.

Another major problem is security. I've talked with several Haitians who would like to be back in Haiti, but having families, know they will not be able to go back permanently. With the kidnappings still remaining at high levels, parents are not willing to risk their children.

Perhaps every member of the Diaspora should receive a vote in each election. Maybe community remittances are a possibility as in Mexico. It could be that removing the stigma of dual citizenship at all levels would go a long way to drawing in leadership from outside Haiti. More exchanges with other countries could be useful as well.

Curious to hear your thoughts on how migration can work in Haiti's favor. How can the Haitian Diaspora be an asset to Haiti as it goes through the reconstruction process?

Bryan