With a possible surge of Haitian migrants ahead, the Biden admin weighs holding them in a third country or Guantanamo
NBCNov 26, 2022
The Facts
Sources reportedly told NBC News that the White House National Security Council (NSC) is preparing for a potential mass exodus from Haiti by considering a third country or an expanded facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to host migrants.
The NSC has reportedly held meetings with the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) to determine how many migrants a third country, or so-called "lily pad,” could be expected to accept before the Guantanamo facility, which is separate from the prison for terrorist suspects, would be put to use.
The Spin
Republican narrative
The promise of Democrats opening the border — and the impression that Democrats are already letting immigrants pour into the US — are to blame for the immigration crisis from Haiti and other countries. Republicans are tougher on immigration, and only stricter policies will prevent more immigration problems, like what to do with the legions wishing to enter the US and how much to spend for them to be held.
Democratic narrative
Haiti is a country in crisis, and things are getting worse. Not only should the US do all it can to take in as many refugees as possible, but the Temporary Protected Status for those already there should be extended beyond its expiration in February so that they can support themselves and their communities. The Biden admin. is correct to be contingency planning for a humanitarian crisis.
