Biden administration discussing using Guantanamo Bay to process possible influx of Haitian migrants

SeaJ , 4 months ago

Ellis Island 2: Electric Boogaloo.

tal , 4 months ago

I mean, Guantanamo Bay has been used in a similar fashion before. Doesn’t really need an analog to something else.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_refugee_crisis

FlyingSquid , 4 months ago

Just to quell the inevitable outcry of treating them like terrorists-

For years, Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, which is located about 200 miles from Haiti, has had a migrant center to hold and process migrants before returning them to Haiti or a third country.

The center — which is separate from where terrorist suspects are held — has been used before. In 2010, for example, the US military prepared the site in anticipation of Haitians fleeing the earthquake-stricken country.

The base is 45 square miles according to Wikipedia.

I’m not defending what Biden is doing, I think we should be taking them in as asylum seekers, but it’s not as bad as the headline makes it sound.

Syn_Attck , 4 months ago (edited 4 months ago)

I think we should be taking them in as asylum seekers, but it’s not as bad as the headline makes it sound.

Regardless of his recent misgivings, you should check out this video by someone who actually paid a coyote to take him across the border (idiot thought because he was American that it was fine and legal, lol) and got caught by US border patrol and ended up staying in a holding center for 3 days. youtu.be/M5MxAMKmXAM

FlyingSquid , 4 months ago

I’m not suggesting they are living in luxury. I’m not even suggesting they’re being treated well. I’m just saying they’re not being locked into little cages like they did with prisoners caught in Afghanistan.

Syn_Attck , 4 months ago

Give everyone who asks asylum? All 2 million per year, which would increase exponentially per year as soon as that decision is announced?

Asylum suggests they’re living here. 2 million additional people per year. America only has 334 million citizens. Or, we could do what every other reasonable country does and what Biden is trying to do in a more humane way: give them shelter somewhere safe and let the people in who are genuinely in need of asylum, those who’s lives would be endangered by blocking entry… And the rest will be sent back to try again.

I’m not a conservative, but I am for rational policy decisions. I suggest letting anyone who’s open for a free-for-all house 10-20 people who have no familiarity with their culture, who don’t even know each other, and pay for all their needs. I think they would change their mind quite quickly.

FlyingSquid , 4 months ago

I’m not sure what the number of citizens has to do with anything. Why would it be bad to let them become citizens if they want to? The U.S. also has plenty of room and they’ll be paying taxes. We’ve also taken in large numbers of asylum seekers before. That’s why Ilhan Omar is one of the best women in congress.

Syn_Attck , 4 months ago

There is already a path to citizenship and asylum. They’re called citizenship and asylum.

FlyingSquid , 4 months ago

Too bad they’re both beyond achievable for so many who could benefit from them…

juicy , 4 months ago

Our strength as a country for the last century is due to the unending flow of new ambition, hope, and vitality from people coming here in search of a better life. Immigrants swell the ranks of our doctors, researchers, and entrepreneurs. They package our meat, pick our tomatoes, and find new cures. They are our lifeblood and always have been.

Syn_Attck , 4 months ago

Absolutely! There is no argument from me there, we’re in full agreement.

There’s a difference between allowing immigrants and asylum seekers to be vetted and then start a life here, and just opening our borders for anyone that wants to come in with no vetting process. One is good for the country, one is insanity that no critical thinker in any party (including unaffiliated) would support.

juicy , 4 months ago

Then you’re arguing against a straw man

Syn_Attck , 4 months ago

How so? The poster that replied to me said we should give everyone citizenship and asylum that wants it.

Direct quote from @FlyingSquid (you can’t use Lemmy without recognizing the username, they post 24/7 with only the most reasonable takes)

I’m not sure what the number of citizens has to do with anything. Why would it be bad to let them become citizens if they want to? The U.S. also has plenty of room and they’ll be paying taxes. We’ve also taken in large numbers of asylum seekers before. That’s why Ilhan Omar is one of the best women in congress.