I was at Chareyl's house when this mail arrived. She'd invited Brent and me up earlier that day for an interview with ABC4 because we "represent the families who do not know where their children are" (at that time neither Nathan nor Jessica's whereabouts were confirmed)
I know there are many theories out there as to what caused our group to mobilize. I can only tell you what I saw from watching her that afternoon and listening to her side of phone conversations. When JCICS sent this mail out, she knew that we could no longer be "good little solidiers" and that she'd have to go down and get our children out herself.
From: Rebecca Harris [mailto:rebeccah@jcics.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 6:31 PM
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 6:31 PM
Dear Colleagues,
It is once again my job to be the bearer of bad news. Another day come and gone and no change. Despite extensive Congressional support and all calls to Members of Congress we have hit roadblock after roadblock. At this point we respectfully ask that you stop contacting your Members of Congress requesting their assistance with obtaining security, transportation, and water for the location. The Department of State has not and apparently will not provide the small assistance that we have requested.
Given the current circumstances, at this point we are recommending that someone from each orphanage escort the children who qualify for humanitarian parole or adoption visas to the U.S. Embassy in Port-A-Prince. We recommend that the orphanage staff arrive with the children and any adoption paperwork that has not been destroyed as early as possible in the morning in order to attempt to obtain visas or parole for the children. Please understand that this option may not be considered safe and that the U.S. Embassy did not allow some orphanages onto the premises today. Additionally, please note that it has been reported that there is no food, water or facilities for the children to use while at the Embassy. As noted during our conference call earlier today, these are our recommendations only and should not be used to replace your or your orphanage director's good judgment.
It is our understanding that any children processed by USCIS in Port-A-Prince are leaving on U.S. cargo jets to locations that are not often know until a hour or so before the flight leaves. At times children have left Haiti without the knowledge of their adoptive parents.
This is currently the worst case scenario for the children's well-being and safety but at the moment there are no other options.
As we receive more information we will continue to share it with you. While the situation at the moment is terrible I can only hope that our collective efforts produce some positive news. Despite the roadblocks Joint Council has not given up on the safe haven and we continue to advocate for its creation and a more transparent and safe process in uniting these children with their adoptive families.
It is once again my job to be the bearer of bad news. Another day come and gone and no change. Despite extensive Congressional support and all calls to Members of Congress we have hit roadblock after roadblock. At this point we respectfully ask that you stop contacting your Members of Congress requesting their assistance with obtaining security, transportation, and water for the location. The Department of State has not and apparently will not provide the small assistance that we have requested.
Given the current circumstances, at this point we are recommending that someone from each orphanage escort the children who qualify for humanitarian parole or adoption visas to the U.S. Embassy in Port-A-Prince. We recommend that the orphanage staff arrive with the children and any adoption paperwork that has not been destroyed as early as possible in the morning in order to attempt to obtain visas or parole for the children. Please understand that this option may not be considered safe and that the U.S. Embassy did not allow some orphanages onto the premises today. Additionally, please note that it has been reported that there is no food, water or facilities for the children to use while at the Embassy. As noted during our conference call earlier today, these are our recommendations only and should not be used to replace your or your orphanage director's good judgment.
It is our understanding that any children processed by USCIS in Port-A-Prince are leaving on U.S. cargo jets to locations that are not often know until a hour or so before the flight leaves. At times children have left Haiti without the knowledge of their adoptive parents.
This is currently the worst case scenario for the children's well-being and safety but at the moment there are no other options.
As we receive more information we will continue to share it with you. While the situation at the moment is terrible I can only hope that our collective efforts produce some positive news. Despite the roadblocks Joint Council has not given up on the safe haven and we continue to advocate for its creation and a more transparent and safe process in uniting these children with their adoptive families.
| REBECCA HARRIS | Joint Council on International Children's Services |Director of Programs and Services|
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