Why Haitian-Americans Should Vote

By Nathalie Setoute | October 29, 2024

As a Haitian immigrant, now a U.S. citizen, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that led me here, particularly in the context of this year’s election. It’s a journey marked by resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in freedom—the kind of freedom that brought my family and me to the United States in search of opportunity and hope. This belief, etched into the words of the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free (Lazarus,1883),” inspired us to leave everything behind and risk our lives for a chance at a better future.

Coming from Haiti

My family and I know what it means to be denied opportunity. Economic instability, political corruption, and a lack of basic resources were the reality for many families like mine. We dreamed of a place where hard work, determination, and the pursuit of a better life would be rewarded. For us, that place was America. We came here not just for survival but because we believed in the ideals that this country was built on—freedom, equality, and justice for all.

As a U.S. citizen

The right to vote is not just a civic duty; it’s a hard-earned privilege that I take very seriously. In this year’s election, the stakes are higher than ever, especially for the Haitian community. We are no strangers to the challenges that immigrants face in this country. What makes this year’s election particularly important is the slander and hateful rhetoric aimed at our community by political figures like J.D. Vance and Donald Trump (Hutzler,2024). As a Haitian American, I can’t ignore the impact of their words, of bigotry and divisiveness. Their statements have not only disrespected our heritage but have also attacked the very principles that make this country what it is.

For many of us, the American dream is more than personal success. It’s about ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open for everyone, regardless of where they come from or what they look like. That’s why voting in this year’s election is so crucial. We can ensure that freedom and opportunity are not reserved for a select few but are extended to all people, including immigrants, minorities, and the underserved. Our vote is our voice, and this year, that voice must speak out against hate, bigotry, and division.

As Haitians

We know the struggle for freedom and dignity. Haiti was the first Black republic to win independence, and that spirit of resilience and determination lives on in all of us( Cummings, 2024). Freedom, as we’ve learned, is not guaranteed—it must be fought for, protected, and preserved. In this election, we have the chance to stand up for the values that brought us to this country in the first place.

We cannot afford to be silent while leaders who openly disrespect our community seek to gain power.
I am urging every Haitian American eligible to vote this year to exercise that right. The Democratic Party, despite its imperfections, offers a vision of America where everyone—regardless of race, nationality, or economic background—has a second chance. This is the America my family believed in when we came here and the America we must continue to fight for.

We cannot allow hate to win. We cannot allow the voices of division to shape the future of this country. As immigrants, Haitians, and Americans, we must uphold the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. When we vote, we are not just casting a ballot—we are protecting the soul of this nation. We are ensuring that the promise of America remains alive for future generations.

Our vote is more than a choice between candidates this year.

It is a stand against those who would see us marginalized and silenced. It is a stand for the values that make America a beacon of hope for so many around the world. It stands for the belief that freedom should not be a privilege for the few but a right for all.

Let’s vote for a future where our children can grow up in a country that honors its commitment to freedom and justice. Let’s vote for a future where the Haitian and all immigrant communities are respected and valued. Let’s vote to ensure that the America we dreamed of—the America of opportunity, equality, and hope—remains a reality.

Our vote is our power. Let’s use it to create the future we deserve.

Author: Nathalie Setoute

Citations:

Cummings, Sherri V. “African Americans and the First Black Republic.” Black Perspectives, AAIHS, September 25, 2024, https://www.aaihs.org/african-americans-and-the-first-black-republic/.

Hutzler, Alexandra.“Fact-checking JD Vance’s claims about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio.” ABC News, ABC News Network, September 19, 2024, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/fact-checking-jd-vances-claims-haitian-migrants-springfield/story?id=113844705.

Lazarus, Emma. “The New Colossus.” National Park Service, National Park Service, August 14, 2019, https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/colossus.htm.

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