
Arbitrariness at its Worst: The Inhumane Treatment of Haitian Migrants at the U.S.-Mexico Border
By Guest Contributors Emma S. McDonnell* and So Yeon Kim**
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Mark Naison, a professor at Fordham University, explains “History is alive. Images move like wildfire.” That’s why it was no surprise when violent and graphic images showing the treatment of Haitian migrants by the United States Border Control surfaced, they were met with global outcry. These photographs are placed within the context of arbitrary policy, inhumane treatment, and unsuitable camps, as well as a history of ambivalence in relation to forced migration. In other words, a humanitarian disaster.
The situation at the border is a reflection of arbitrary and ambiguous policy-making. The Biden Administration has reversed policies and directives from the former administration, but has left some of the Trump administration’s shameful policies in place, such as Title 42. Only ending Title 42 can enable a more fluid asylum process. Without an end to Title 42, the policy will continue to be dominated...