Haitian American Congresswoman Advocates for Haiti, Trade Policies

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Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., center, joined at right by Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev. chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, condemns hate speech and misinformation about Haitian immigrants, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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(AURN News) — Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the only Haitian-American in Congress, is championing policies to support Haiti and strengthen U.S. trade relations with Caribbean nations. Representing Florida’s 20th congressional district, Cherfilus-McCormick views her role as pivotal in shaping Haiti policy.

“This fight for Haiti is really a fight that I’m passionate about, it’s very personal,” she said. “I remember growing up and always having the narrative and the turmoil of Haiti being told by people who didn’t understand Haitian people, didn’t understand the Haitian American experience.”

The congresswoman also emphasized to AURN News Haiti’s historical contributions, which she says are often overlooked in American discourse.

“Haiti not only fought for its independence, being the first black nation to be independent, but after that fight for independence, Haitians in Haiti went on, really, on a tour, kind of where they aggressively fought for freedom for everyone, even fighting for the United States, even making sure we expanded through the Louisiana Purchase,” Cherfilus-McCormick stated.

A photo with the Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and AURN News Correspondent Jamie Jackson during the CBC ALC Session on Haiti moderated by Jamie, photo courtesy of the congresswoman’s office. Pictured L to R: Alexia Latortue, Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development; Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank; Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson, Former 60 Minutes Producer; Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick; Barbara Feinstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti; Patrick Gaspar, President and CEO, Center for American Progress, Jamie Jackson, News Correspondent, AURN News

Addressing misconceptions about Haitian immigrants after unconfirmed rumors were spread on social media and by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio eating people’s pets, the Florida congresswoman said, “Every Haitian who leaves Haiti to come to United States is so grateful that they get to actually work hard and escape some of the political turmoil that they want to give back to the United States.”

The congresswoman also addressed broader political concerns, warning against divisive rhetoric targeting immigrants. “We’re in an extremely divisive moment… Even though we’re hearing some political candidates talking specifically about Haitians, we shouldn’t sit back and think that that’s just a Haitian thing, because he’s [Trump] really coming for anyone who is Black,” she cautioned.

She called for unity, stating, “We have to stand adamantly and vehemently against any form of hate, any form of just trying to divide us as a community and make sure that we are practicing a more inclusive community and more inclusive government.”

On trade policy, the congresswoman advocates for fair practices and lower tariffs. “I’ve been really advocating for fair trade practices and lower tariffs so we can help businesses and farmers compete in the global market, strengthening their economic ties and providing opportunities for long-term growth, not just for them, but for Americans,” she explained.

Cherfilus-McCormick tells AURN News that she supports trade agreements for not only Haiti but other Caribbean nations as well. “If we look at all the great jobs that come at the ports, those jobs are good paying jobs, unionized jobs, and we see more people, especially in my district and being in Florida, working at those ports. And that comes from having good trade policies, that we have more American jobs. And so traditionally, I think when people think of trade, they’re not seeing the benefit to American workers and to the country,” she said.

“How can we strengthen the Caribbean so we can have the Caribbean nations not just being strong allies, but being economic partners, but we see more Americans being able to capitalize on those markets and growing,” she added.


Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:

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