American International Journal of Humanities and Social Science (AIJHSS)

During the 1970s and 1980s, a large influx of Haitian immigrants pursued entry into the United States (U.S.). The majority of these immigrants sought to escape the regime of Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier. This massive Haitian migration to the U.S. resulted in the implementation of policies by the Carter and Reagan administrations that classified the Haitian “boat people” as “economic immigrants” instead of “political refugees.” These policies enabled the U.S. to deny entry to thousands of Haitians who were similarly situated to refugees, from other countries, who had been granted asylum. This article examines political policies, human rights activism and media coverage related to Haitian immigrants seeking asylum, in the U.S., from 1972-1988. During the 1970s and 1980s, a large influx of Haitian immigrants pursued entry into the United States (U.S.). The majority of these immigrants sought to escape the regime of Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier (also known as Baby Doc). Known for his brutal and violent leadership style, Duvalier defended what human rights workers called one of the most oppressive governments in the Western Hemisphere, following in the footsteps of his father, François, known as Papa Doc, who died in 1971.1 Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International had documented what they called systematic human rights violations under Duvalier's rule. Both organizations accused Duvalier of imprisoning and torturing hundreds of Haitians, and using violent means to silence voices of opposition. An estimated 30,000 people were killed during the reign of the Duvalier father and son.2 The horrific national climate created by Duvalier prompted many Haitians to seek political asylum in the U.S. Duvalier was known for employing tactics that were designed to create an atmosphere of fear for the purpose of enforcing the power of his dictatorship. He used four main forms of human rights abuses during the course of his regime. The first form of abuse was known as the “Triangle of Death.” In this network political prisoners were taken to one of three prisons where they died from abuse and extrajudicial killings. The second form of abuse was known as the “disappearance and political killing” tactic. In this system, political prisoners were never released from detention and most were never seen by their families again. No explanation of the whereabouts of these prisoners was every offered by the government.