Diplomat Expresses Concern Over Number Of Jamaicans Deported

NEW YORK, New York CMC – Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vascianne” says he is concerned that too many nationals “are stepping on to the deportation train” monthly and returning to a country where they have little or no family links.

He told the Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation (JICF), “Jamaica 51 Independence Ball” over the weekend that” “each month about 75 Jamaicans are sent home for indulging in unlawful activities”.

He said that Jamaica believes that there “are some problem with the deportation system as in certain instances, persons are sent to Jamaica when in fact they have no earthly ties to the country.

“They may have come to the United States as children, live their lives there and now they are required to fend for themselves in unfamiliar territory,” he said.

Vascianne said  the deportation system may actually be counter-productive to both countries because it sets in place a loop for criminality.

He told the ceremony that those deported to Jamaica had no means of economic survival and as a result become more entrenched in criminality, creating instability in within the society.

The diplomat called on Washington to continue to give thought to more humane and sympathetic consideration for people deported for minor offenses and urged Jamaicans in the Diaspora to ensure that they work within the ambits of the law.

President Barack Obama in a message lauded the Jamaican community for its outstanding contribution to the socio-economic growth of the United States.

“Since America’s early days, men and women have come to our shores from every corner of the globe bringing their vibrant culture and important historical prospective by uniting those who trace their roots to Jamaica and celebrating Jamaica’s Independence, evens like this reminds us of our countries legacy as a nation of immigrants and help ensure the diversity of our people remains one of the greatest strength,” Obama said.