Description
This research examines the housing solutions developed by Haitian migrants living in San Diego. San Diego has seen a spike in the number of asylum seekers since the Biden administration recently let migrants into the country after the controversial "Remain in Mexico" 2019 policy. The region has become a stopping point and major port of entry for those wishing to enter the United States of America. After a long journey, a long waiting period in Mexico, and at times imprisonment, Haitians often encounter harsh living conditions upon entering the U.S. A central challenge for Haitian families arriving in San Diego is finding housing. Without documentation, they are unable to legally rent an apartment or find work. This research explores how and where Haitian immigrants find shelter, housing, food, papers, and other essential living needs. Several Haitian migrants were interviewed to hear their firsthand experiences of their journey to the United States and their ability to survive in the country as they await their immigration hearing. We found that there are few organizations helping migrants in San Diego, that their services aren't abundant and often come with a time limit. Many Haitians often feel neglected and forgotten. Ultimately they hope to have documents to reach equal opportunities in the U.S.
Haitian Migrants in San Diego and their Housing Strategies
This research examines the housing solutions developed by Haitian migrants living in San Diego. San Diego has seen a spike in the number of asylum seekers since the Biden administration recently let migrants into the country after the controversial "Remain in Mexico" 2019 policy. The region has become a stopping point and major port of entry for those wishing to enter the United States of America. After a long journey, a long waiting period in Mexico, and at times imprisonment, Haitians often encounter harsh living conditions upon entering the U.S. A central challenge for Haitian families arriving in San Diego is finding housing. Without documentation, they are unable to legally rent an apartment or find work. This research explores how and where Haitian immigrants find shelter, housing, food, papers, and other essential living needs. Several Haitian migrants were interviewed to hear their firsthand experiences of their journey to the United States and their ability to survive in the country as they await their immigration hearing. We found that there are few organizations helping migrants in San Diego, that their services aren't abundant and often come with a time limit. Many Haitians often feel neglected and forgotten. Ultimately they hope to have documents to reach equal opportunities in the U.S.