Caribbean Dutch territories offer illegal Haitian immigrants temporary asylum

Dutch territories offer Haitians temporary asylum

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten — Dutch territories in the Caribbean are offering illegal Haitian migrants temporary asylum because of the earthquake that devastated the capital region of their native country.

Program coordinator Tiara Haselhoef says 367 Haitians in St. Maarten and 172 in Curacao have signed up so far to receive temporary immunity from deportation. The immunity expires Dec. 31.

Haselhoef said Tuesday the Haitians have been warned to follow all local laws. Any who provide false information or use false passports will be sent home.

Those who registered are not barred from working but they will not be able to travel outside the territories.