Trump Says Haitian Immigrants Are From an “XXX Country”

According to Trump, immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and Africa are from xxx countries. He clearly doesn't want immigrants from those countries in the United States. His statement, made on Thursday to lawmakers, is sure to make a life for the “Dreamers” seeking amnesty more difficult.

What is DACA and who are the Dreamers?

The Trump administration has actively fought against DACA(Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) since he took office. DACA is aimed at allowing the children of immigrants to stay in the United States.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle have been discussing a deal on DACA and the Dreamers. A deal was looking promising until the president made his statement.

Reaction to Trump's “shithole comment” is negative

Andrew Gilliam, candidate for governor in the State of Florida say Trump’s comments are “disgusting and repulsive and only further clarify the President’s racial discrimination that has been evident since the first day of his campaign. He is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Oval Office.”

Gilliam is just one of many politicians and community leaders to denounce Trump's comment.

South Florida is Key to Immigration Issues

South Florida is a melting pot with many Dreamers from “XXX” countries seeking to stay.  Should we let them?  I say yes.

Immigrants from all over the world arrive and make their homes in South Florida.  As a result, South Florida is a key area for DACA and the Dreamers.

Many immigrants begin their pursuit of the American dream in the three counties that make up South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach).  Many of those immigrants are from the three world regions Trump referred to as xxxholes.

Immigrants fuel the economy

Between 2006-2010, immigrants started 286,744 businesses in Florida with a net impact of 13.3 billion. Immigrants fuel the economy both by starting and running businesses.

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They make up a significant portion of the workforce (24.5%).  Many of these jobs are jobs not wanted by US citizens. In Florida, immigrants help drive the economic engine that makes this such a profitable area.

Haitian Americans are Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders

I think Dreamers from Haiti are well worth keeping in our country.  They add to the melting pot that makes us great. I have seen first hand the huge positive impact Haitian Americans have in South Florida.

There are over 300,000 immigrants from Haiti living in South Florida, according to the Miami Herald.  The community is active politically, with elected officials in all three counties.

Haitian Americans add significantly to the economy by becoming entrepreneurs.  There are, for instance, many community groups in South Florida dedicated to Haitian American entrepreneurship, including dozens of Meetup groups.

Trump is a hypocrite and courted the Haitian American vote

When Trump campaigned in Florida, he actively courted the Haitian American vote, referring them to as “unbelievable people” and declared that he would “champion Haiti and its people.” 

Clearly, these once unbelievable people have become leeches on society from a shithole country now that Trump has taken office. Or have they?

President Trump Does Not Want Haitian Immigrants

On Thursday, President Donald Trump singled Haiti saying that immigrants from that country must be left out of any deal.  “Why do we need more Haitians?” Trump said. “Take them out.”

Given the growing influence of Haitian Americans on the political landscape both nationally and regionally, Trump is no doubt regretting his statements.

While not US citizens, immigrants have rights, including equal protection under the law.   Trump seems hell-bent on violating immigrant rights.

Haitian Americans are a vital political, social and economic force in my home state of Florida. I want Haitian American dreamers to stay. What do you think?