Root Causes of Haitian Migration
A significant number of Haitian nationals have migrated to other countries during the last century following the country’s political and economic turmoil. Audebert (2020) states that approximately 20% of Haitians live abroad today. Plantation-based economics and the US occupation of Haiti are the main historical reasons behind this phenomenon (Audebert, 2020). In the second half of the 20th century, the authoritarian regime of the Duvalier family prompted new waves of emigration (Audebert, 2020). Therefore, a multitude of economic, political, and environmental issues have contributed to Haitian migration to the US and Latin American countries.
The US Border Enforcement and Changing Migration Routes
Haitians’ migration routes have been changing throughout the 20th century. Between the 1950s and 1970s, the Bahamas was a popular destination among working-class Haitians, while most well-educated professionals resided in New York and Boston (Audebert, 2020). Following political turmoil in the Bahamas in the early 1970s, Haitian migrants turned their attention toward Florida (Audebert, 2020). They used the Bahamas and Guantanamo as transit hubs on their way to Miami (Kahn, 2019; Audebert, 2020). However, border enforcement under the Reagan government made these routes less viable (Kahn, 2019). As a result, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico became major transit points in the 1980s-1990s (Audebert, 2020). Overall, changing immigration policies in the US had a significant impact on Haitian migration routes over the last 50 years.
Haitians in Florida
The US has always been a desirable destination for Haitian immigrants, and the latest statistics show that Florida has become the state with the largest Haitian diaspora in the country. According to Audebert (2020), “over the past two decades, 300,000 Haitians have gained legal immigrant status in the United States, 45% of whom have settled in Florida” (p. 82). Audebert (2020) adds that real estate prices, climate, and the demand for specific services are the main reasons immigrants choose this state. Overall, Florida has replaced American Northeast as the most popular destination among Haitians over the course of the last decades.
The Role of the Catholic Church in the Life of Haitian Diaspora in Florida
Religion often plays a vital role in the life of immigrant communities, and the Haitian diaspora in the US is not an exception. Mooney (2013) states that “religious institutions in the US have proven legitimate and effective channels of political mobilization and empowerment” (p. 100). Since the 1970s, the Catholic church has been a source of social and legal support for Haitian immigrants in Florida (Mooney, 2013). Haitians’ trust in religious institutions and high levels of religious participation undoubtedly contributed to their assimilation (Mooney, 2013). Hence, Church leaders helped to legitimize and incorporate the Haitian diaspora in US society.
Haitian Religious Practices
Catholicism, Protestantism, and Vodou are the main religions in the Haitian community. Most Haitian immigrants in Florida visit the church several times a week (Rey & Stepick, 2013). Therefore, they represent one of the most religious ethnic minorities in the state. It is important to note that a significant percentage of Catholics in the community also practice Vodou, while most Protestants consider these practices satanic (Rey & Stepick, 2013). Hence, religious habits can vary notably among Haitian immigrants. The uniqueness of the Haitian diaspora among other Caribbean immigrants is expressed in Vodou tradition.
Vodou: A Traditional Haitian Religion
Vodou, a traditional Haitian religion, is often misunderstood and stereotyped. Criticism of Vodou often stems from the fact that it lacks the dichotomy of God and Satan present in Christianity (Hebblethwaite, 2015). Meanwhile, it remains an integral element of Haitian culture and beliefs. Hebblethwaite (2015) states that “Vodouists incorporated African religious practices from disparate regions, various ethnic groups, and multiple languages to overcome divisions among slaves” (p. 8). Hence, Vodou inspired the Haitian liberation movement that led to the abolition of slavery in the country. Rey and Stepick (2013) state that Haitians often spend equal amounts of money on their air tickets and Vodou talismans when they go to the US. According to the adepts of this religion, Vodou spirits offer humans healing and protection (Rey & Stepick, 2013). Overall, Vodou is an essential element of Haitian national identity that helps them reconnect with their African heritage.
References
Audebert, C. (2020). Caribbean migration spaces and transnational networks: The case of the Haitian diaspora. In M. Moïse & F. Réno (Eds.), Border transgression and reconfiguration of Caribbean spaces (pp. 71-96). Springer.
Hebblethwaite, B. (2015). The scapegoating of Haitian Vodou religion: David Brooks (2010) claims that “Voodoo” is a “progress-resistant” cultural influence. Journal of Black Studies, 46(1), 3–22.
Kahn, S. J. (2019). Islands of sovereignty: Haitian migration and the border of the empire. The University of Chicago Press.
Mooney, M. A. (2013). Religion as a context of reception: The case of Haitian immigrants in Miami, Montreal and Paris. International Migration, 51(3), 99-113.
Rey, T., & Stepick, A. (2013). Crossing the water and keeping the faith: Haitian religion in Miami. NYU Press.