Father Thomas Wenski, a priest at Notre Dame D'Haiti Haitian Catholic Center in Miami, said political situations directly affect economic conditions. One mustn't forget that poverty has political roots. Just look at Russia. Since the founding of the nation, more than 55 million immigrants have settled in the United States. People come to our shores seeking safe haven from political and social upheavals.
Some immigrants cross the Caribbean Sea in less than seaworthy vessels built with old materials.
These refugees risk their lives for a chance to become an American. Others find more conventional methods and buy airline tickets. They are coming in rickety rafts with water coming in. It's very dangerous. They are willing to do anything to get off the island.