Question for the Record Submitted to Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration and Refugee Affairs QUESTION Has the U.S. done any outreach to register people in the countryside, or do all applicants have to physically come into the U.S. mission to apply and then be contacted by mail to be requested to return for an interview? ANSWER In Applicants may register in person, by mail or by phone. The U.S. Embassy sent a letter describing the program to all diplomatic missions, international organizations, church groups, and private voluntary organizations in Haiti. addition, in those few cases when an applicant expresses concern at appearing at the Consulate, USG officers and staff have traveled to the individual's location for an on-site interview. Question for the Record submitted to Acting Secretary Eagleburger Subcommittee on Immigration and Refugee Affairs Question Can refugee applicants be accompanied by lawyers or advisors at their interview? What kind of documentation is required of a refugee applicant in Haiti? If a Haitian is rejected, is the reason for the rejection clearly explained to the applicant? How can an applicant appeal or have a rejection reconsidered? Answer As this question concerns adjudication and review procedures which are the responsibility of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) I have asked INS to respond to your question. INS will provide you a response as soon as possible. Question for the Record Submitted to Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration and Refugee Affairs QUESTION What is the role of the Joint Voluntary Agency (JVA) in Haiti and how was the selection of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) made for these purposes? What experience does IOM have in Haiti and in working with Haitian nationals who have fled Haiti? ANSWER The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will answer questions regarding the refugee application process, help applicants complete all necessary paper-work, maintain case files, interview applicants to determine family histories, obtain relevant information to help INS officers determine eligibility for admission to the U.S. as refugees and schedule individuals for INS interviews. For those approved for refugee status, IOM will work with voluntary agencies in the U.S. to arrange sponsorships, arrange medical screening and travel documentation, process travel packets and arrange transportation to the U.S. Several organizations expressed an interest in serving as the JVA in Port-au-Prince. The Department determined that IOM, due to its experience with Haitians and with USG programs in other countries around the world, was best qualified to establish a refugee processing facility in Haiti. IOM has a history of dedication to refugee assistance and extensive experience working with the USG on refugee processing programs around the world, especially in Latin America and Europe. In addition, IOM helped process the cases of Haitians at the Guantanamo Naval Base and arranged the transportation of those Haitians going to third-countries, such as Suriname, Venezuela and Honduras. IOM expects to employ expatriate and local staff who are knowledgeable about conditions in Haiti and can offer expert guidance to both applicants and INS officers alike. |