This letter features reporting from "Haiti's Brain Drain: Educated Youth Are Leaving the Country as Fast as They Can" by Jaqueline Charles and José Antonio Iglesias
Dear Commissioner Marleine Bastien,
I am writing to you today to express my deep concern about the ongoing brain drain crisis in Haiti, as highlighted in the alarming Pulitzer Center report, "Haiti's Brain Drain: Educated Youth Are Leaving the Country as Fast as They Can" by Jaqueline Charles and José Antonio Iglesias This issue, impacting the very future of Haiti, demands urgent attention and strategic action. The Pulitzer Center report paints a stark picture of the current situation. Young, educated Haitians, including doctors, nurses, engineers, and entrepreneurs, are leaving the country in droves, driven by a potent combination of factors. Rampant gang violence and insecurity create a climate of fear, while the lack of economic opportunities and political instability extinguish hope for a brighter future in their homeland.
This story feels especially relevant to me as a Black female of Haitian descent living in Miami who cares about education. It connects directly to my cultural heritage and the experiences of the Haitian community around me. With Miami being home to a large Haitian diaspora, I see how the challenges driving young, educated Haitians to leave their homeland affect not just Haiti but also our local community, influencing social dynamics, economic opportunities, and efforts toward community development. The report helps me understand the deeper issues behind the brain drain, shedding light on the complexities facing my heritage while inspiring me to think about ways I can advocate for better educational and economic opportunities for Haitian youth. Learning about these struggles strengthens my connection to my roots and empowers me to be a voice for change, both here in Miami and in support of Haiti’s future
The issue of Haiti’s brain drain has a big impact on my community in Miami. As more educated Haitians leave their country, many come to places like Miami, where there’s already a large Haitian population. This affects us both positively and negatively. On one hand, it brings new talent, skills, and ideas to our community, which can be inspiring and helpful. On the other hand, it reminds us of the challenges Haiti is facing, and it’s hard knowing so many people feel they have to leave their homeland for better opportunities. It also puts pressure on families who may feel they need to support new arrivals and stay connected to their roots. In my community, we feel both proud to support our own people and sad to see Haiti losing so many talented young people.
Commissioner Bastien, I am reaching out to ask for your help in addressing the challenges that Haiti’s “brain drain” is creating for the Haitian American community here in Miami. As more educated and skilled Haitians are forced to leave their homeland, our community feels both the benefits and the strains of their arrival. While we are proud to welcome these talented individuals, their stories also highlight the ongoing struggles facing Haiti, putting emotional and financial pressure on local Haitian American families. I believe there are actions we could take to support both new arrivals and our community as a whole, such as creating mentorship programs for young Haitian Americans, increasing access to mental health resources, and funding local job training initiatives to help immigrants adjust and succeed. Additionally, advocating for policies that encourage economic and educational development in Haiti would help create opportunities at home, so fewer young Haitians feel forced to leave. Your support on these issues would mean a great deal to us all.
Sincerely,
Jazmin Charles

My name is Jazmin Charles and I am a sophomore at Miami Norland Senior High School. I am of Haitian heritage, which is why this story is important to me. The article "Haiti's Brain Drain: Educated Youth Are Leaving the Country as Fast as They Can" spoke to me because it connects directly to my cultural heritage and the experiences of the Haitian community around me.
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