Lawyer wants to help Haitian immigrants cross the border
Powerful images and videos showing Haitian immigrants crossing the border struck a nerve in many people. In metropolitan Atlanta, Haitian Americans say the images are nauseating and difficult to see. A lawyer tries to help.
ATLANTA – The images that emerged, showing Haitian immigrants crossing the border, struck a nerve in many people.
In metropolitan Atlanta, Haitian Americans said the pictures were sickening and difficult to see.
“To see history literally repeat itself in 2021 just takes your breath away,” said lawyer Ecleynne Mercy.
Mercy is a Haitian and attorney who lives in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
“There’s really no way to describe it. I think I’m really in shock,” Mercy said.
SEE ALSO: The Georgian organization is working to provide vital supplies to Haitians through community support
Videos surfaced that appear to show US border agents on horses with whips and other weapons to prevent Haitian immigrants from entering the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security announced an investigation into the incident.
“You hear these people and there was a woman who said she regretted being born a Haitian about how badly she was treated,” Mercy said.
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That’s why this founding member of the Haitian American Lawyer Association of Georgia doesn’t sit idly by.
“We have some reputable Haitian immigration lawyers and we know amazing immigration lawyers who can’t be here today because they are actually in Texas helping people and helping out locally,” Mercy said.
Mercy said Haiti has been through so much in the past few years, from devastating earthquakes to political assassinations and civil unrest, and that her people just want peace.
“It’s not about politics, it’s about people. It’s about society and whether this is the America we’re trying to be,” Mercy said.
Mercy is afraid that people will try to capitalize on this situation with fake charities and scams.
She encourages everyone who donates to make sure the organization is reputable to really help those in need.
If you want to donate, click here.
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