Op-Ed: State of the Territory | America’s Uncomfortable History With Haiti and Immigrants of Color

In her biweekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.

America often prides itself as the land of opportunity, yet its history tells a different, more uncomfortable story – especially when it comes to Haiti and immigrants of color. The narrative of migration is far from simple, and to understand the current crisis of Haitian migration, we must confront America’s role in destabilizing Haiti and the glaring racial disparities in how immigrants are treated.

A History of Exploitation and Destabilization

America’s interference in Haiti spans over a century, beginning with the U.S. occupation from 1915 to 1934. Ostensibly, this invasion was to “protect American interests” and prevent European influence, but in reality, it was a calculated effort to control Haiti’s resources and finances. The U.S. took over Haiti’s national bank, prioritized foreign debt repayment over domestic development, and reinstated forced labor systems that exploited Haitian citizens to build infrastructure under brutal conditions.

The rewriting of Haiti’s constitution in 1918 allowed American companies to purchase Haitian land, displacing countless farmers. By the end of the occupation, Haiti was left with weakened sovereignty, devastated infrastructure, and deep resentment toward the U.S.