Haitian and other migrants continue to arrive in the United States across the southern border. Buses containing hundreds of immigrants are being transferred from Texas to other major cities and states in the United States. This is an initiative by the Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbot, to give the Democrats a taste of their “disastrous migration policy”.
These immigrants are often deployed in blue states (generally voting for Democrats) like New York, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia among others.
Without family members, friends, or other relatives, these newcomers are often left at the mercy of municipal authorities and/or non-governmental organizations. In Massachusetts, several hundred Haitians are placed in hotels, hospitals, and temporary shelters in the hopes that organizations like the Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI) will take them in. Once handed over to IFSI, these immigrants must be immediately sheltered by the organization with or without means. A task carried out by the team of Géralde Gabeau with joy, but not without difficulties.
It is Saturday, August 27, in Worchester, in western Massachusetts, 211 kilometers from New York State. The people in charge of the organization are already there waiting for a bus carrying about fifty people who have just arrived in the United States. For those who were already there for a few days, weeks, or months, a ceremony of distribution of school materials is organized about a week before the reopening of classes. Here, the concept of “education can’t wait” is more than a slogan. Although undocumented, children of immigrants who are 4 years old or older must attend school.
Food, suitcases and other standard supplies are distributed. An initiative of IFSI, supported by several other regional immigrant rights organizations determined to make their contribution however small.
The ceremony was launched and animated by Reverend Pastor Dieufort Fleurissaint better known as Pastor Kiki. A fervent activist in defense of the rights of immigrants. The health authorities of the city of Worcester are also on site for a vaccination session against Covi-19 at the invitation of the organization “True Illiance Center” led by Pastor Kiki. The Pfizer vaccine is available to anyone who wishes to be voluntarily vaccinated. A $50 gift card is given to each person who agrees to be vaccinated. They also have a chance to win tablets with unlimited internet connection. But for that, they have to participate in a draw.
Having arrived only a few days ago, Jean Robert (not his real name) was on his lucky day. He alone won 3 tablets. He was accompanied by his wife, who was four months pregnant, and his daughter, who was less than two years old. Together, they made the perilous journey from Brazil to the United States, the Eldorado. A marathon that cost Jean Robert more than 12,000 American dollars according to his own estimation.
Invited to launch the activity, the executive director of IFSI took the opportunity to thank the other organizations that understood the need to join the fight for the improvement of the living conditions of our compatriots who have made enormous sacrifices to set foot on American soil. Dr. Geralde Gabeau also intended to sensitize the Haitian community in Massachusetts on the urgent need to support newly arrived immigrants.
IFSI’s Judicial Officer Nunotte Zama, a lawyer, doctor and pastor who is well respected in the community for her support of immigrants, also took part in this activity. It was an opportunity for the preacher to remind the new immigrants of their rights and duties in the country. Nunotte Zama urged the compatriots to reflect on their sacrifice by showing respect for the laws governing the functioning of the country. It was also an opportunity for her to make appointments with some immigrants who have not yet applied for asylum to the U.S. migration authorities.
It is 3:30 PM. The ceremony is closed by Pastor Dieufort Fleurissaint waiting for September 24 for a similar activity, but this time in the township of Brockton where the Institute of Family Immigration Services has another office.