By Milo Milfort
Port-au-Prince, (EFE).- A recent decision to ban entry into the United States for Haitian citizens is threatening to further weaken the fragile economy of Haiti, where many families depend on remittances from the diaspora to survive.
Remittances for more than 16% of Haiti’s GDP, making them a vital source of income not only for households but also for public services.
For every transfer, the Haitian state collects 1.50 dollars, mainly earmarked for education infrastructure.
The entry ban, issued by the istration of United States President Donald Trump, comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where armed gangs control large territories, triggering mass displacement, widespread violence, and a breakdown of state institutions.
Legal and economic fallout
“From a legal standpoint, the US has the right to make this decision,” said Dieudonné Barnabas, a Haitian legal expert, referencing the national security justification behind adding Haiti to a list of 12 countries whose citizens are now banned from the US.
However, Barnabas warned that the policy would have far-reaching consequences: Haitian residents in the US will find it more difficult to bring family over, and Haitians who travel for medical, business, or tourism purposes will be restricted, all of which previously provided economic benefits for Haiti.
One of the most significant impacts will be on remittances. “The more migrants there are, the more remittances flow back home, a considerable contribution to the Haitian economy,” Barnabas said.
Strain on migrants and Haiti’s community
For Emmanuel Paul, a Haitian journalist based in the US who covers migration issues, the implications are alarming. “Haiti will pay a high price for this decision,” he said.
Paul noted that Haitian migrants in the US may face greater scrutiny when using money transfer apps, and may be subjected to stricter questioning during financial transactions.
In the longer term, he fears the decision will reduce purchasing power and lead to discrimination.
“Companies will be less likely to hire Haitians, even if they are legal residents or hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS),” Paul added. “Banks could stop processing transactions with Haiti, or even remove the country from their client lists. Businesses may cut ties entirely. This could lead to higher inflation.”
Potential diplomatic response
Despite the economic blow, Barnabas pointed out that some funds may now stay within Haiti, such as those usually spent on travel and visas for US visits.
Still, the overall effect is expected to be deeply negative.
Last month, the US Department of State designated the Viv Ansanm (Living Together) coalition and the Gran Grif gang as terrorist organizations, following requests by Haitian authorities. According to Paul, this gave Washington a clear pretext to invoke national security.
To reverse the ban, Paul suggested that Haiti could undertake “high-profile operations” against gang leaders and demonstrate progress in security.
Barnabas, meanwhile, emphasized diplomatic avenues, including tighter controls on emigration and promoting commercial diplomacy.
Haiti’s Transitional President Council has vowed to launch technical negotiations with US authorities to have Haiti removed from the list and to defend the “inalienable and legitimate rights” of its citizens.
Until then, the Trump-era restriction, reinstated amid Haiti’s ongoing crisis, may deepen the economic hardship for a country already struggling with poverty, inflation, and insecurity. EFE
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