We Denounce the White House's Statement to Endanger Asylum Seekers

The White House and Senators are about to release a deal that could effectively destroy asylum protections, leading to mass deportation and incarceration of asylum seekers. Immigration advocates expect that the Senate could vote on the deal as early as next week. 

The Quixote Center issued the following statement in response:

"Closing the door on people seeking asylum is no cause for celebration. Just last week the Biden Administration sent two deportation flights to Haiti, where gang violence killed nearly 5,000 people in 2023. The policies proposed in these negotiations endanger the lives of more Black and Brown people by returning them to the very violence they are fleeing.

"As we saw when Title 42 was in place, blocking asylum seekers will not prevent vulnerable people from migrating for safety and a better life. We urge Congress and the White House to work together to find solutions that uphold the right of vulnerable people to migrate, and honor the life and dignity of all migrants."

Tell Congress to Save Asylum

The White House is currently trying to destroy asylum protections in exchange for sending billions to Ukraine, Israel, and ICE & CBP. The proposals in the negotiations are extreme, including a new Title 42-like authority and fast-tracking deportations of undocumented communities. This would be especially disastrous for Haitian asylum seekers.

Tell your members of Congress that our government should fund solutions that uphold the humanity and dignity of migrants and protect asylum. 

Black History Month Feature

In honor of Black History Month, we'll be highlighting Afro-Latino and Haitian individuals, from history to pop culture, who have left a mark on their countries. This week we're spotlighting Edgardo Armando Franco, better known by his stage name "El General." Hailing from Panama, El General is considered one of the fathers of reggaeton, as his "Reggae en Español" blended Jamaican dancehall rhythms with Spanish lyrics.

When asked about the history of reggaeton, El General pointed to Jamaica as the source, as he and many other Afro-Panamanians are descended from Jamaican workers who immigrated to build the Panama Canal, a grueling process. He also viewed reggaeton as a form of protesting corruption and inequality.

El General claims that as a young boy, he met the legendary singer Celia Cruz and asked her for advice. She told him to search for an original rhythm; he certainly took her advice, and years later they would go on to release a song together, "Ella tiene fuego."  El General has left the music world for the foreseeable future, but clubs, parties, and celebrations across Latin America still play his songs. 

Intern Spotlight

Meet our new Spring Intern, Marlen Herrera! Marlen is a Mexican-American student at Trinity Washington University DC with a major in Health Services. We are excited to have her join the Quixote Center team with us this semester!

Artist Corner

Jenin Yaseen

Jenin Yaseen is a 26 year old artist. She moved to the United Arab Emirates from Palestine, when she was 10. She began studying at Rak International Academy in Dubai, where her love for art began to flourish. Jenin is currently residing in Dearborn, Michigan where she continues to purse art and activism for Palestinians. You can see more of her work HERE.