Bad administration immigration policies influx Haitian immigrants.

The Biden administration has issued 535 executive orders on immigration since taking office, leading to a significant increase in the influx of Haitian immigrants into the United States. As of September 24, 2024, an estimated 852,000 Haitians reside in the country, with this number continuing to rise each month due to various immigration programs.

One significant program is the Humanity Parole Program for Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Venezuelans, announced by the President in January 2023. This program aims to provide immigrants with “safe and orderly pathways to the United States,” allowing up to 30,000 individuals to enter each month. Since its inception, approximately 210,000 Haitians have arrived in the United States through this program.

In addition to the Humanity Parole Program, the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have implemented several other programs contributing to the increase in Haitian immigrants. For example, the cap on yearly refugee admissions was raised from 15,000 to 62,500 in May 2021, and it currently stands at 125,000. This program includes various benefits such as financial assistance, medical examinations, English language classes, job training, housing support, and cultural orientation for refugees.

Moreover, Haitian immigrants are eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), providing a $900 one-time payment upon arrival and a monthly stipend of $230 for individuals ($600 for a family) for the first year. They also receive assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food purchases and essential health services. Job placement opportunities are also provided. As of September 17, 2024, the average hourly salary for a refugee in the United States is $19.56, with hourly wages ranging from $9.13 to $37.26 across the country. Additionally, refugees may be eligible for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The exact number of Haitians in the United States is difficult to determine, but border patrol agents encountered 76,000 immigrants attempting to cross in 2023 and 53,000 in 2022. The Coast Guard encountered 7,000 immigrants in 2022 and 5,100 in 2023.

The growing number of new immigrants is straining government services, including hospitals in rural counties, which are now facing financial strains to cover the medical costs of migrants. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHR) is also challenged to provide for unaccounted-for children, and there is a lack of resources to pay for translators. State and local governments are overwhelmed by the influx of immigrants.

Vice President Harris’s recent visit to the Southern Border has sparked discussion, with some questioning her commitment to addressing the situation. Her previous statements and actions have raised concerns about the future of immigration policies and border management.

Christopher Peeks is a disabled veteran who served in the Afghanistan War. He is a native of Locust Fork, Alabama in Blount County. He owns and manages the Alabama Political Contributor website.

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