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ADVOCATES CALL FOR BETTER TREATMENT OF HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS
As the media attention surrounding the Elian Gonzalez case shows no sign of abating, some groups are trying to use the focus to highlight the disparate treatment Haitian immigrants face under US immigration law.  While Cubans who arrive on US soil can stay and apply for permanent residence, Haitians must show that they would face persecution or extreme hardship if returned to Haiti. 
The treatment of Haitian immigrants under US law was the focus of a rally held in Chicago this week.  Led by Rev. Jesse Jackson, the rally sought to draw attention to the plight of Haitians in the US, most of who fled their home after a 1991 coup.  Many argue that Haitians receive different treatment from Cubans because of the governments of the two countries.  Cuba is communist, while Haiti has spent most of its time under right wing dictatorships.  Others also see the difference in treatment as a result of racism.  Most Haitians are black, while most Cubans are Hispanic. 
One Haitian cause that has gained some publicity is the story of a six-year-old girl who is here in the US alone, and who is facing deportation to Haiti.  Sophonie Telcy came to the US illegally with her mother.  Shortly after their arrival, her mother left her with friends and returned to Haiti, where she died.  Sophonie’s father is said to live in Haiti, but no one has been able to locate him.  Representative Alcee Hastings (D-FL) has proposed legislation that would allow Sophonie to stay in the US legally. 
Just prior to release of this newsletter issue, several hundred Haitians stranded on a remote island in the Bahamas were discovered. The Haitians were apparently the survivors of a shipwreck and headed for the US. They are all expected to be repatriated to Haiti soon.