Residents On The Defence Following U.S. Visa Policy For Haitian Nationals

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On Thursday, news broke of a U.S. State Department policy requiring Haitian nationals to utilize the U.S. embassy in Nassau for visa appointments.

It sparked a frenzy as Bahamians questioned how this would be policed amid fear it may add to an already bad immigration problem.

Prime Minister Philip Davis later clarified saying Haitian nations would be denied entry for this purpose.

Resident –

“I don’t understand how it is that they could dictate what we are supposed to be doing in our country if we are an independent nation. Yes we have alliances with others, yes we want to maintain…certain civility about stuff, but at the end of the day, you can’t impose on us,” one resident said.

Frank Adderley – Resident

“He is just taking these policies and ramming it down other people’s throats whether you like it or not but then again you have to have equality and transparency,” he said.

Back in June, a White House proclamation suspended the entry of Haitian immigrants and non-immigrants from entering the U.S.

It also points to an overstay report which says Haiti had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 31.38 percent and A F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 25.05 percent.

If Haitian nationals were to enter the country for U.S. visa applications, many residents believe it would put an added strain on the country.

Resident –

“We need a more accountable way to track them in terms of coming here to apply for it. I wouldn’t want to be in their position having to travel to another country to apply for a visa, but if it gets to that point, I want somebody to treat me fairly.“

“So if you’re going to allow it to happen, make sure you have the precautionary steps in place to make sure it follows through,” one resident said.