Quixote Center works to influence United States policies that impact the people we work with. We advocate with Congress and the Administration to change US foreign policies that exacerbate extreme poverty and vulnerability in Haiti and Nicaragua.  Extreme poverty, violence, and vulnerability lead families to make the heartbreaking decision to migrate, to the United States or elsewhere. We work to address these root causes when they have a US policy solution. We also advocate for immigration policies in the United States that promote the dignity of migrants, focusing on preserving the asylum system. 

Our current priorities include:

  • Ending illegal weapons trafficking to Latin America and the Caribbean, especially Haiti;
  • Ending the use of economic sanctions when they impact the most vulnerable;
  • Transforming global humanitarian assistance;
  • Safeguarding the asylum system;
  • Ending “border externalization” that pressures other countries to adopt policies conforming to US border strategies.

Quixote Center impacts policies through:

  • Encouraging our supporters to send letters to Congress and the Administration;
  • Scheduling in-person meetings with Members of Congress and the Administration;
  • Working in coalition with allied organizations.

 

Past Actions

Letter to USDA requesting extension of mango pre clearance program in Haiti

November 1, 2022

Mr. Jorge Abad
Area Director for Central America and the Caribbean
USDA APHIS PPQ Preclearance and Offshore Programs
4700 River Road, Unit 66
Riverdale, MD 20737

RE: Mango Preclearance Program in Haiti

Dear Mr. Abad,

We are writing as partner organizations to groups working with small-scale producers in Gros Morne, Haiti.

Quixote Center Statement Opposing Military Intervention in Haiti

(in)

The crisis of insecurity in Port au Prince is severe. In July alone nearly 500 people were killed when rival gangs warred in Cite Soleil. Armed groups control transportation routes into and out of the capital, and use this position to extort travelers and businesses, engage in kidnappings, and use extreme violence against those challenging their position.

DC architecture with American flags.

The Truth About Busing Migrants from the Border to DC: A Story of Welcoming

UPDATE: The DC Attorney General's office, whose funding is separate from that of the mayor's office, has of $150,000 to aid nonprofits leading the welcoming response. We welcome this news, but unfortunately this level of funding is still woefully inadequate to meet the needs of mutual aid groups.

Title 42's discriminatory impact on Haitian migrants

Haitian migrants were expelled at much higher rates than the nationals of other countries similarly situated during the twenty-seven months since Title 42 policies were first implemented. Haitians were at least 3X more likely to be expelled compared to nationals of almost all other countries, except for those who could, by agreement between the United States and Mexico, be expelled directly into Mexico. This pattern changed in June of this year, with a significant drop in the percentage of Haitians encountered being expelled, a trend that seems to be continuing into July.

Biden and the deadly stalemate in Haiti

Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry and his “September 11th” coalition met with representatives of the Montana Accord last week to discuss how to end the country's political stalemate. The Montana Accord is a civil society-led transition proposal negotiated last year at the Montana Hotel that hundreds of national and local organizations have endorsed. A coalition of political parties referred to as the PEN joined the Montana group earlier this year. Close allies of Henry quickly assembled his September 11th coalition last year after the Montana proposal was announced.

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