Quaker action for a just world

EN
ES
Crossing South

Facing deportation or forced return to Haiti

Leer en español.

Before you leave the U.S.

Note on Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Haiti's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation ended in July 2026. If you previously held TPS in the United States, your immigration options after deportation depend on your individual circumstances. For current information, check the official USCIS website or consult an immigration attorney.

1. Contact the Haitian Consulate

If you are able, contact or go to the nearest Haitian consulate to obtain or renew your Haitian passport, birth certificate, and/or other important identity documents before deportation or forced return.

Important: Haitian Consular Assistance

If you need urgent consular assistance before deportation or forced return, you can contact the Haitian Embassy or the Haitian Consulate responsible for your state. Consular officials may be able to provide information or assistance regarding Haitian identity documents and other urgent consular matters.

Haitian Embassy emergency lines:
+1 (240) 641-0359
+1 (240) 641-0361

For emergency contact information for Haitian Consulates in the United States, check: Haitian Embassy – Emergency Contacts

Important: Consular assistance does not replace legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration case or deportation order, consult an immigration attorney or qualified legal representative.

2. Legal & Identity Documents

  • Power of Attorney: Sign and give a Power of Attorney to someone you trust in the U.S. so that this person can handle your financial, property, or other legal affairs after you leave. 
  • Immigration paperwork: Consult an immigration attorney or qualified immigration representative before signing any document provided by U.S. immigration authorities. 
  • Keep copies of your important immigration documents, including court decisions, applications, work permits, identification documents, and other records related to your immigration case. 

3. Financial & Housing Preparations

  • Take care of your finances. If possible, make arrangements for your bank accounts, property, debts, taxes, and other financial matters before leaving the U.S. 
  • If you own property in the U.S., consider whether you need to sell, transfer, or authorize someone you trust to manage it on your behalf. 
  • Make arrangements for where you will stay in Haiti. If possible, identify more than one place where you could stay in case you cannot safely return to your original community.  
  • Let your representative and family members know how you can be contacted in Haiti. 

4. Family Preparations

  • Complete a family preparedness plan: ILRC – Family Preparedness Plan 
  • Share it with your Power of Attorney and other trusted family members. 
  • Keep all important documents safe and make copies for someone you trust. 

Children & U.S. Citizenship

  • If you have children born in the United States, contact the Haitian consulate for information about registering their birth and obtaining Haitian documentation, when applicable. 
  • U.S. citizen children traveling to Haiti should have a valid U.S. passport. 
  • If a child is traveling to Haiti with only one parent, check current requirements and consider obtaining a notarized consent letter from the other parent or documentation establishing custody. 

Traveling separately from your children?

  • Sign an authorization letter for the caregiver traveling with your child. 
  • If your child stays in the U.S., sign a Power of Attorney or other appropriate authorization allowing the caregiver to provide care. 

5. Collect Additional Documents

Bring originals and multiple copies of:

  • Haitian birth certificate or other Haitian identity documents. 
  • Haitian passport, if available. 
  • Certificate of Identity/CIN, if available. 
  • School records, diplomas, and professional certificates. 
  • U.S. birth certificates and passports for U.S.-born children. 
  • Medical records and medications. 
  • Marriage, divorce, and/or death certificates. 
  • Immigration and legal documents. 
  • Important financial, property, insurance, and banking documents. 

Important: If you need to use U.S. documents in Haiti, check the required authentication or legalization process before leaving. Do not assume that an apostille will be sufficient.

6. What to Bring With You

  • Phone numbers of family members and trusted contacts in Haiti and the U.S. Memorize important numbers and keep them written down.
  • Phone, charger, and backup battery. 
  • An address or contact in Haiti where you expect to stay. 
  • Haitian identification documents and copies. 
  • U.S. identification and important immigration documents. 
  • Medications and written prescriptions. 
  • Important medical information and records. 
  • School and educational records. 
  • Important legal and financial documents. 

Keep important documents and medications with you whenever possible.

7. Tips & Warnings

  • TIP: Keep several copies of your most important documents in separate places and, if possible, keep secure digital copies. 
  • TIP: Make sure a trusted person in the U.S. has copies of your important documents and knows how to contact you after your return. 
  • TIP: If you do not have a Haitian passport or other identity document, contact the Haitian consulate as early as possible. 
  • WARNING: Do not pay anyone who offers to obtain Haitian identity documents through unofficial or fraudulent means. 
  • REMINDER: Consult a qualified immigration professional before signing documents from U.S. immigration authorities that you do not understand. 
  • REMINDER: Conditions in Haiti can change quickly. Before leaving, make a plan for where you will stay, who will receive you, and who you can contact if you cannot safely return to your previous community. 
  • REMINDER: If you are concerned about your safety or believe you may face serious harm if returned to Haiti, seek legal advice about your situation before signing documents or accepting removal. 

Important for Haiti

Haiti is currently experiencing severe insecurity and displacement. If you are being deported or forcibly returned, plan ahead for where you will stay, who will receive you, and who can assist you after arrival. You may not be able to safely return to your previous home or community.

Arriving in Haiti

1. General Cautions

  • To stay safe, make a friend on the bus or plane. Stay together to support each other.
  • Be alert and calm. Follow instructions from airport, immigration, and other authorities.
  • Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself or displaying valuable belongings.
  • Keep your money, phone, identification documents, and other valuables secure and with you.
  • Keep contact information for your family in Haiti and the U.S., as well as documents that prove your identity and deportation status, on you, not in your bag.
  • Do not use a phone offered by a stranger to contact your family. If you need to make a call, ask a trusted organization, public institution, or person you trust for assistance.
  • Create a code word with your family members so they can confirm that a call or message is really from you, particularly if someone asks them for money or claims you are in danger.
  • If you have a cell phone, share your location with people you trust when traveling to your destination.

2. Cautions for Haiti

  • Be aware that security conditions can vary significantly between areas of Haiti. Before traveling onward, confirm that your destination can be safely reached.
  • Avoid traveling alone, when possible, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area.
  • Keep valuable items, including smartphones and large amounts of cash, out of sight.
  • If you need transportation after arrival, use a trusted person or a reliable transportation service whenever possible.
  • If you do not have a safe place to stay or cannot return to your previous community, ask an organization to assist returnees or displaced people with available support and safe options.

3. Reception and Assistance for Returnees

  • If you are deported or forcibly returned to Haiti, you may be received by the Office National de la Migration (ONM) and other organizations assisting people who have been returned.
  • Returnees may receive information and orientation, food and water, medical assistance, psychological and psychosocial support, and transportation assistance to continue their journey to their destinations.
  • The assistance available may vary depending on the location and the circumstances of your return.
  • If you need assistance after arrival, ask the ONM or organizations working with returnees about available services and referrals.
  • The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners may also provide assistance to vulnerable returnees, including medical care, psychosocial assistance, temporary shelter, transportation, protection, and referrals to other services.

4. As a Haitian Citizen: Identification & Documents

  • You have rights and access to services in Haiti as a Haitian citizen. However, accessing government services may require certain documents and may take time.
  • Important: Government institutions and public services in Haiti may have limited capacity due to ongoing security and institutional challenges. Some processes may be delayed, take longer than expected, or require multiple visits. Requirements and service availability may also vary depending on the location.
  • If you are unable to access a government service, ask a trusted organization to assist returnees or a local community organization for information about available alternatives or referrals.
  • Keep your Haitian identity documents safe. If you already have a Carte d'Identification Nationale (CIN), keep it with you and make copies when possible.
  • The Office National d'Identification (ONI) is responsible for the Haitian national identification system and the CIN. To find an ONI office near you, check: ONI – Office Locations
  • Main website: Office National d'Identification (ONI)
  • If you need to apply for or replace your CIN, you can begin the process through DELIDOC. Check the website for current requirements and instructions: DELIDOC – CIN Application
  • If you do not have your Haitian birth certificate (extrait de naissance), contact the Archives Nationales d'Haïti (ANH) to ask how to obtain a copy.
  • Keep your deportation documents and other records showing your identity and return status. They may be useful when requesting assistance or accessing services.

5. Receiving Money in Haiti

  • Family members or friends in the United States can send money to Haiti through commercial money transfer services such as Western Union and other available providers.
  • Money may be received through cash pickup, bank accounts, or mobile money services, depending on the provider and availability.
  • Requirements for receiving money may vary. You may need valid identification and information about the transfer, such as the sender's name and transaction or tracking number.
  • Keep the transaction number or track information secure and do not share it publicly.
  • Be cautious of anyone who asks for your transfer information, identification, or money in exchange for helping you receive funds.

6. If You Need Additional Assistance

  • If you need help with identity documents, transportation, shelter, medical care, psychosocial support, or other urgent needs, ask the ONM or an organization to assist returnees with available services.
  • The organizations and institutions listed in this resource may be able to provide assistance directly or refer you to another service.
  • If you cannot safely return to your previous community, explain your situation to the organization by assisting you and asking about safe accommodation, transportation, or other available options.
  • If you are traveling with children, are separated from family members, or have specific protection needs, inform the organization assisting you so that they can assess your needs and provide an appropriate referral.

Resources

Migration & Returnee Assistance

Office National de la Migration (ONM)

The ONM is the Haitian government institution responsible for migration issues and provides assistance and orientation to migrants and returnees.

ONM also has departmental offices in Belladère, Ouanaminthe, Anse-à-Pitres, Malpasse, Cap-Haïtien, Port-de-Paix, Les Cayes, and Saint-Marc. Check the ONM website for the office closest to you.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

IOM works with the Haitian government and partners to provide assistance to migrants, displaced people, and vulnerable returnees.

  • Address: Rue E. Pierre, #11, Tabarre 27, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
  • Phone: +509 2947-7746
  • Email: oim_pap@iom.int
  • Website: IOM Haiti

IOM also has a presence in Cap-Haïtien, Ouanaminthe, and Belladère.

Protection & Humanitarian Assistance

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR provides protection and assistance to people affected by displacement and other protection concerns.

If you have protection concerns or need to be referred to humanitarian assistance, ask an organization assisting returnees about available services.

United Nations agencies in Haiti

Several UN agencies provide humanitarian and other assistance in Haiti. Their services and availability vary by location and need.

  • UNDP: 14, Rue Reimbold, Bourdon, Port-au-Prince

Phone: +509 2814-0260 to +509 2814-0264

  • UNICEF: 17, Armand Holly, Debussy, Port-au-Prince

Phone: +509 2812-3001

  • WFP: Juvénat 7, Pétion-Ville

Phone: +8816 4143 8486

  • UNFPA: 352, Avenue John Brown, Bourdon, Port-au-Prince

Phone: +509 2815-6000

For updated information about UN agencies and their services in Haiti: United Nations in Haiti – Contact Us

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support

Returnees who need psychological or psychosocial support can ask the ONM, IOM, or organizations assisting returnees about available services and referrals.

  • Association Haïtienne de Psychologie
    • Address: 218 Ave Jean-Paul II, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
    • Phone: +509 2919-9000

Services and availability may vary. Contact the organization before traveling to confirm that services are available.

Food & Basic Needs

If you need food, water, or other basic assistance after arrival, ask the ONM, IOM, or an organization to assist returnees with available services and referrals.

Humanitarian organizations and UN agencies may provide assistance depending on your location and current needs.

Employment

Jobs within NGOs and international organizations

These websites list job opportunities and should be checked regularly because vacancies and deadlines change.

Housing

Habitat for Humanity Haiti

Habitat for Humanity works with communities on housing construction and improvement. Its programs are not necessarily designed to provide immediate emergency shelter to newly returned deportees.

For immediate shelter or emergency accommodation, contact the ONM, IOM, or an organization assisting returnees for information about available options.

Returning to the United States After Deportation

After deportation, you may have options to return to the United States in the future. Whether you are eligible depends on your individual immigration history and the circumstances of your removal.

  • Post-Deportation Self-Assessment Guide: This guide provides general information for people who have been deported and want to explore whether they may be able to return to the United States. It covers immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, waivers, motions to reopen or reconsider, and other possible options. A Guide to Access Eligibility to Returning to the United States After Deportation
  • Important: This guide does not provide legal advice. Consider consulting an immigration attorney or qualified legal representative before applying to return to the United States.

U.S. Embassy in Haiti

For information about U.S. visa services and other consular services, check the official U.S. Embassy website:

Important: Visa services in Haiti are subject to current restrictions. Check the official U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information before making travel or appointment arrangements.

U.S. Visa Applications

If you are eligible to apply for a U.S. visa, follow the instructions for the type of visa you are seeking.

Form I-601 – Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility

Whether you need a waiver and whether you qualify depends on the circumstances of your case.

Form I-212 – Permission to Reapply After Deportation or Removal

Whether you need Form I-212 depends on the circumstances of your removal and your individual immigration history.

Important for Immigrant Visa Applicants

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas, has been designated to conduct immigrant visa services for residents of Haiti. Applicants should review the current instructions before making travel arrangements.

Important: Visa procedures, processing locations, and requirements can change. Always check the official U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy websites for current instructions before applying or traveling for a visa appointment.

Crossing South: A guide for people facing deportation

Crossing South: A guide for people facing deportation