BHRC Statement on Migrants Flown to Martha’s Vineyard on September 14, 2022

The unannounced arrival on Martha’s Vineyard on September 14, 2022 of forty eight migrants, most of whom are from Venezuela and some from Columbia, constitutes a gross violation of these people’s basic human rights and an insult to their human dignity. This was another in a series of events known as “Operation Lone Star” staged by Republican governors Greg Abbott of Texas, Ron DeSantis of Florida, and Doug Ducey of Arizona to transport migrants, including young children, to states which are identified as “Sanctuary” states, such as Illinois, Washington DC, New York and Massachusetts, which welcome and protect migrants. NBC Chicago reported that approximately 1,200 migrants have arrived in Chicago since August 1st. According to the Washington Post, over 230 buses brought 9,400 migrants to Washington DC since April, and more than 2,000 migrants have arrived by bus in New York City. In all these cases, local officials were not notified of the arrival of these migrants. The migrants were given inaccurate information about their destination, and false promises of work, shelter and other benefits. On September 19, one of these female migrants took her own life in a New York City shelter.

CNN reported that Texas has spent over $12 million transporting migrants. The New York Times reported that the Florida Legislature has set aside $12 million to transport unauthorized immigrants out of state. Transporting vulnerable people across state lines under false pretenses promotes human trafficking and instead of helping them, it just increases their suffering. Many of those who cross over our southern borders, including those who are from Venezuela, have crossed through six or more countries, travelled through deserts and over mountains, and have been robbed by criminal gangs. Jose Ignacio Hernandez, a law professor from Venezuela who is currently a visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, stated recently in a Boston Globe article that there are 6.8 million Venezuelans living outside of Venezuela, which is about 20% of the Venezuelan population. Those like the Venezuelans who flee political oppression, persecution, discrimination, denial of their human rights, natural disasters, famine or war in their home countries are not “Illegal Migrants” or “Unauthorized Immigrants.” They are our fellow human beings - refugees seeking survival and better lives for themselves and their families. They have a right to apply for asylum in the U.S. and to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. They do not deserve to be used as pawns in our politically divided nation.

Belmont Human Rights Commission members commend the people of Martha’s Vineyard for the warm welcome and compassionate care they extended to the people from Venezuela and Columbia who arrived unexpectedly on their island.

The Belmont Human Rights Commission is dedicated to fighting discrimination in all forms and increasing visibility and awareness of issues regarding diversity and discrimination in our community. If you have experienced discrimination in Belmont, please contact us at [email protected] or call 617-993-2795.

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