US prepares for Haitian refugees in aftermath, though no signs of a mass migration
By Curt Anderson, APMonday, January 18, 2010
Most Haitians seeking US refuge will go back
MIAMI — U.S. authorities are stepping up contingency plans for a potential mass migration of Haitians even though there’s no immediate signs of such an event.
The migration plan, known as “Operation Vigilant Sentry,” calls for clearing space at Miami’s Krome detention center by moving existing detainees to other facilities. Officials say some migrants could also be housed temporarily at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The U.S. policy regarding Haitian migrants who are caught trying to reach this country by sea has not changed in the aftermath of the earthquake. With a few exceptions, most will be sent back to Haiti.
Some immigration advocates say the U.S. should shift away from stopping migrants and ease safe passage for relatives of those who live in U.S.
