Ambassador to US concerned about number of deportations
WASHINGTON DC (JIS) — Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vascianne has expressed concern over the large number of Jamaicans being deported from the US to Jamaica on a monthly basis.
“Far too many Jamaicans are stepping on to the deportation train.” Each month about 75 Jamaicans are sent home for indulging in unlawful activities,” he said.
He told the over 800 Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica who attended the Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation (JICF), Jamaica 51 Independence Ball at the Hylton Hotel, Manhattan, NY, on Saturday August 17 “that Jamaica believes that there are some problem with the deportation system as in certain instances, persons are sent to Jamaica when in fact they have no earthly ties to the country”.
“They may have come to the United States as children, live their lives there and now they are required to fend for themselves in unfamiliar territory,” he said.
Vascianne argued that the deportation system may actually be counter-productive to both Jamaica and the United States because it sets in place a loop for criminality.
He pointed out that persons are sent to Jamaica with no means of economic survival and so they become more entrenched in criminality, which creates instability at home and they sometimes this is exported back to the United States.
Vascianne expressed the hope that the US would continue to give thought to more humane and sympathetic consideration for persons who are to the deported for minor offenses.
The Ambassador urged Jamaicans in the Diaspora to guide those Jamaicans inclined to become deviant, to live and work within the law.
Meanwhile in a message from United States President Barack Obama read by chairperson of the JICF, Mrs. Paulette Willoughby, he lauded the Jamaican community for the outstanding contribution made to the growth of the US.
“Since America’s early days, men and women have come to our shores from every corner of the globe bringing their vibrant culture and important historical prospective by uniting those who trace their roots to Jamaica and celebrating Jamaica’s Independence, evens like this reminds us of our countries legacy as a nation of immigrants and help ensure the diversity of our people remains one of the greatest strength.”
