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As the 2024 election approaches, Haitian Americans face a choice with profound implications for their communities, especially in swing states where their votes could shift the outcome. While our aim is to present an objective view, it’s clear that Kamala Harris’s policies offer a more comprehensive support system for Haitian Americans, addressing issues in healthcare, immigration, and foreign policy that are essential for the community’s well-being.
For many Haitian Americans, immigration policy isn’t just a talking point—it’s personal. Harris’s approach, which includes pathways to citizenship and maintaining protections like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, acknowledges the complexities of a community that often faces extraordinary barriers. Her plans aren’t flawless, but they represent a system that aims to integrate immigrants, offering stability to those who’ve made America their home. Trump’s approach, in contrast, leans heavily on restrictive policies and a rhetoric that’s often dismissive of immigrant contributions, as seen in his comments about Haitians in Ohio. Mass deportations and increased barriers could uproot families, exacerbating instability within communities that are already vulnerable.
Healthcare access is another pivotal issue. Harris’s commitment to expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) directly supports Haitian Americans who may not have employer-based healthcare options. From expanding ACA subsidies to price caps on essential drugs like insulin, Harris’s plan is in line with the needs of lower-income and immigrant families who rely on public health support. Trump, by contrast, has repeatedly sought to dismantle ACA without a clear alternative. While he’s hinted at a “market-based” replacement, the lack of details leaves room for skepticism. For Haitian Americans, Harris’s clear and accessible healthcare plan promises continuity and affordability—critical elements for a community where healthcare access is often a struggle.
Foreign policy isn’t always front and center for U.S. elections, but for Haitian Americans, it’s a lifeline. Haiti’s political and economic crises demand a nuanced U.S. approach that balances aid with respect for sovereignty. Harris supports continued TPS protections and has backed policies to stabilize Haiti through international aid. Trump’s “America First” stance, while appealing in some contexts, has historically deprioritized foreign support, focusing instead on domestic concerns. If his policies continue along the same trajectory, Haitian Americans are left with fewer advocates for the unique and pressing needs of their country of origin.
While both candidates promise to support the U.S. economy, Harris’s approach is more pragmatic for Haitian Americans. Her support for tax breaks on small businesses and opposition to broad tariffs helps protect both Haitian-American entrepreneurs and consumers. Trump’s broad tariffs, though intended to protect U.S. manufacturing, could inadvertently increase the cost of imported goods, disproportionately impacting low-income communities. Harris’s plan to avoid sweeping tariffs while offering tax relief for working-class families aligns better with the financial realities many Haitian-American families face.
Ultimately, Harris’s policies reflect a commitment to inclusion and stability that Trump’s campaign rhetoric and past policies do not. Haitian Americans, who often balance cultural preservation with economic and social challenges, deserve an administration that supports their unique needs rather than undermines them. Harris’s vision, from healthcare to foreign policy, aligns more closely with the values and challenges Haitian Americans face, offering a platform that includes rather than excludes.
This isn’t an endorsement; it’s an acknowledgment that for Haitian Americans, Harris’s approach provides a clearer path toward security, stability, and respect. And in this election, that path matters.
