People of Haitian Heritage

When Duvalier was elected president-for-life in 1964, many Haitians covertly immigrated to the United States in small sailboats, resulting in their being labeled “boat people,” a term that is associated with extreme poverty. Migration from Haiti to the United States since the mid-twentieth century has occurred in response to persistent political instability, persecution, frequent economic crises, and natural disasters. The recent collapse of basic governmental functions and widespread gang violence followed the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. As of 2022, nearly 731,000 Haitian immigrants resided in the United States, making them the country’s 15th-largest foreign-born population. The Haitian immigrant population has more than tripled in the United States, which is the top global destination. The year 2023 offered more opportunities than ever before for Haitians to come into the United States legally. President Joe Biden’s extensions of Temporary Protected Status ( TPS ) have allowed Haitian immigrants to stay and work legally. They participate in the labor force at a similar rate as all immigrants. Even though Haitians value education, only 15% are privileged enough to obtain a formal education. Haitians are more likely to be naturalized US citizens, have obtained legal permanent residence (also known as getting a green card) through family-based categories, and work in service occupations. They are also less likely to have a college degree and tend to report lower household incomes.