Haitian Migration and the Borders of Empire: Chicago in Law and Society

Islands of Sovereignty: Haitian Migration and the Borders of Empire (Chicago Series in Law and Society)

by Thomas P. Vartanian

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	372 pages
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Haitian migration to the United States has a long and complex history, dating back to the early 19th century. In recent decades, Chicago has emerged as a major destination for Haitian migrants, and the city's Haitian community has grown rapidly. This article explores the Haitian migration experience in Chicago, focusing on the legal and social challenges that Haitian migrants have faced and the ways in which they have shaped the city's legal and social landscape.

The Formation of a Haitian Enclave

The Haitian community in Chicago is concentrated in the Uptown neighborhood on the city's North Side. This area has been home to a significant Haitian population since the 1960s, and it has become a vibrant center of Haitian culture and commerce. The neighborhood is home to numerous Haitian-owned businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, and churches. It is also home to several Haitian community organizations, which provide a range of services to the community, including legal aid, housing assistance, and job training.

The Mechanisms of Power

The Haitian community in Chicago has been shaped by a number of mechanisms of power, including immigration law, deportation, and asylum. Immigration law has played a major role in determining who is able to enter the United States and who is subject to deportation. Deportation has been used as a tool to control Haitian migration and to punish Haitian immigrants who have committed crimes. Asylum has provided a pathway to legal status for some Haitian migrants, but it is a difficult and often lengthy process.

Law and Society

The Haitian migration experience has had a significant impact on the legal and social landscape of Chicago. The city has a long history of welcoming immigrants, but it has also been a site of anti-immigrant sentiment and discrimination. Haitian migrants have faced a number of challenges in Chicago, including racism, poverty, and violence. They have also been subjected to a number of legal and social barriers, including restrictive immigration laws and discriminatory police practices.

The Haitian migration experience in Chicago is a complex and multifaceted one. It is a story of hope and struggle, of opportunity and adversity. Haitian migrants have made significant contributions to the city, and they have helped to shape its legal and social landscape. The Haitian community in Chicago is a vibrant and resilient community, and it is a testament to the strength and determination of the Haitian people.