HR0500 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0500 LRB102 20708 ECR 29586 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The people of Haiti have demonstrated resilience throughout history and have fought on the front lines for freedom and human dignity; and

WHEREAS, Haiti was the first nation in the world to abolish slavery and the slave trade after the Haitian Revolution; this acted as a beacon for Africans and people of African descent who were enslaved in racial chattel slavery around the world; and

WHEREAS, Throughout history, the United States and France have acted to undermine the freedom of the Haitian people and to prevent economic self-determination and have looted the wealth of Haitians; this has undermined the ability of Haitians to build a stable political and economic system; and

WHEREAS, The recent assassination of the president of Haiti has caused further economic, political, and social instability; and

WHEREAS, An unstable economic and political system in Haiti has caused the government of Haiti to be unable to respond to natural disasters in a manner that provides relief, rebuilding, and reinvestment; and

WHEREAS, Many Haitians have come to view the United States as a compassionate nation that can help them realize freedom, self-determination, and economic success in the modern world; this belief exists despite the historical treatment of Haitian people by the U.S. government and despite the failures, current and historical, in the treatment of African Americans, Black Americans, and other people of African descent in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Recently, brave groups of Haitian people sought refuge in the United States in order to build a better life; these brave groups were treated in an unfair, undignified, and inhumane manner by some members of the Border Patrol, including being charged on horseback, having the reins of horses used as lashes and whips against them, and being shouted at with demeaning and xenophobic language; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we condemn the actions of the members of the U.S. Border Patrol who treated Haitian migrants and refugees with disrespect and in an inhumane manner; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we condemn United States policies that have undermined the people of Haiti and their ability to build a stable economic and political system and have helped cause thousands of Haitian people to look elsewhere for a better life; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge President Biden and the United States Congress to adopt a compassionate and humane immigration system that respects the dignity and value of each human life, including the Haitian people who wish to make a life in the United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate President Chuck Schumer, and all members of the Illinois Congressional delegation.