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.

Even after the occupation ended, U.S. policies continued to harm Haiti. Support for brutal dictators like François “Papa Doc” Duvalier and Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier in the name of Cold War politics perpetuated repression and economic inequality. Trade policies and neoliberal reforms, such as flooding Haitian markets with subsidized American rice, obliterated local agriculture and created economic dependency.

Let’s not forget the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. While billions in aid were pledged, foreign NGOs and contractors managed much of the reconstruction, sidelining local Haitians. The result? Foreign corporations profited, while Haiti saw minimal sustainable development.

And still, America wonders why Haitians are seeking refuge on U.S. shores. It is not a mystery – it is a reckoning with the consequences of over a century of exploitation, destabilization, and disregard for Haitian sovereignty.

Immigration: A Story of Racial Disparities

Let’s talk about immigration. When white Europeans arrived at Ellis Island – 12 million of them from Eastern and Southern Europe – only 2% were turned back.

Compare that to the treatment of immigrants of color, especially those from Haiti, Latin America, and Africa. Instead of “welcome to America,” they are met with walls, cages, deportations, and mass protests demanding they “go home.” It is impossible to ignore the disparity: Ukrainians fleeing war are warmly welcomed, while Haitians fleeing equally dire circumstances are met with hostility and racial profiling.

This echoes America’s selective compassion in other areas. During the so-called “war on drugs,” millions of Black and Latino men were jailed for minor drug offenses. Now, with the opioid epidemic disproportionately affecting white Americans, the federal government has responded with compassion, funding, and rehabilitation programs. If race is not at the heart of these differences, then we are willfully blind.

The Root of Migration

Immigration does not occur in a vacuum. People flee when their countries are in chaos. And more often than not, that chaos is fueled by foreign interference, particularly from the U.S. Haiti is a prime example. American policies uprooted its economy, undermined its democracy, and supported oppressive regimes. Now, when Haitians seek safety and opportunity in the U.S., they are demonized.

If America truly wants to address immigration, it must start by addressing its foreign policy. Stop destabilizing developing nations. Stop exploiting their resources. Stop creating the very conditions that drive mass migration.

Conclusion: Confronting Uncomfortable Truths

Haitian migration – and immigration broadly – cannot be reduced to simplistic solutions like “follow the process” or “go home.” To tackle this issue, we must confront America’s uncomfortable history of destabilization, economic exploitation, and racial bias. Haitians, like all immigrants, deserve more than shallow opinions or cruel policies. They deserve justice, acknowledgment of history, and equitable treatment.

America’s history on foreign policy and immigration is far from perfect, but if we fail to learn from it, we will perpetuate the same cycles of harm and inequality. It is time to move beyond the shallow narratives and reckon with the deeper truths – however uncomfortable they may be.