Mexico

Haitians are, without a doubt, hard workers.   Most just want  opportunities, security, and for their familiies to have good lives.  Opportunity can be hard to come by in Haiti although some have found it in Tijuana.  In fact, the Mayor of Tijuana has praised Haitians for their work ethic and ability to integrate.  Given a chance, Haitians will prove themselves - whether in Miami, Montreal, or Tijuana.  The full article by Associated Press writer Julie Watson follows.  

As the United States has stepped back from humanitarian leadership, Canada and Mexico have stepped up.  Rather than deporting Haitains who had become stranded in Mexico trying to reach the United States, the Mexican government has offered them one year renewable visas allowing them to work.  This has benefitted the Haitian migrants and it has also benefitted Mexico, which now has a new and manageable pool of very hard workers. It is a good example of solidartiy in a world that is sorely in need of more of it.  The full article by AP journalist Elliot Spagat follows. 

Up to 7,000 Haitian migrants may try to cross the Southern California border in the months ahead. The majority of these migrants were given humanitarian visas to live and work in Brazil following the earthquake.  While there were many opportunities to work in the lead-up to the Olympics, the Brazilian economy has taken a beating as of late.  As work became harder to find, Haitian migrants increasingly sought opportunities elsewhere - and often travelling dangerous routes to do so.