Benjamin Ashford|Opinion: Hate against Haitian immigrants ignores how US politics pushed them here

As Haitians find themselves at the center of yet another political firestorm,Benjamin Ashford a pawn in another U.S. election cycle, it’s easy for some in the United States to forget about the real people caught in the middle. The political back-and-forth might lead those unfamiliar with Haiti's struggle to wrongly assume that Haitians are incapable of being at the center of their self-determination, as if today’s Haitians are somehow different from those who rose up in 1791, fought their enslavers and liberated themselves in 1804 to create the first free Black republic.

A new documentary, "The Fight for Haiti," shows how untrue that is.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric ignores key factors that brought us here. Ironically, the most recent anti-corruption movement was dismantled by Jovenel Moïse, a president backed by both the Trump and Biden administrations.

Moïse’s actions before his assassination in 2021 further fueled gang violence, displacing hundreds of thousands.

In testimonies to the U.S. Congress, activists have warned that Washington's continued support for corrupt leaders would result in mass migration ‒ something today’s xenophobic rhetoric ignores.

Why Haitian group filed criminal charges against Trump, Vance

Last week, the Haitian Bridge Alliance filed citizen criminal charges against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, citing their "baseless and malicious comments" about Haitian immigrants in Springfield eating pets.

The repeated claims without evidence resulted in bomb threats and evacuations, terrorizing Springfield. Under Ohio law, private citizens seeking an arrest of prosecution can file an affidavit for review.

In a now-deleted tweet, Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., disparaged the advocacy group by dismissing its legal action as a "sophistication" Haitians couldn’t possibly possess ‒ seemingly unaware of the "sophistication" of the Haitian Revolution that played a crucial role in the Louisiana Purchase, where he now holds office.

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Haitians have, and always have, embodied the wherewithal to seek self-determination. "The Fight for Haiti" shows us that the Haitians of today are indeed their ancestors' wildest dreams.

This gripping documentary takes us into historical and current events sparked by a seemingly simple question: What happened to billions of dollars in missing development funds received through Venezuela’s PetroCaribe oil alliance?

The film centers on the PetroCaribe challenge that struck a nerve in a nation long burdened by corruption, broken promises and worsening living conditions. Despite facing physical loss, death and threats, the aptly named “Petrochallengers” held firm in their question: "Kot kòb PetroCaribe a?" (Where is the PetroCaribe money?)

It was a question Haitians globally were asking. In 2018, Haitian filmmaker and writer Gilbert Mirambeau Jr. posted a photo of himself holding a cardboard sign with that very question. This unsuspecting tweet quickly became the catalyst for a monumental shift in Haiti’s sociopolitical landscape, landing at the perfect moment. Social media challenges were thriving, and a digitally savvy, frustrated and mobilized youth in Haiti turned it into a movement.

The question cut through Haiti's internal social hierarchies, which often separate people by wealth, location or education. Everyone wanted the answer.

Haitians demanded justice from US-backed regime

As the director of "The Fight for Haiti" documentary, Etant Dupain, explains: "The movement unites all walks of life, this is one of the reasons I interviewed all different ages, classes and groupings of people, I want to show that all Haitians are concerned."

The country had grown accustomed to corruption and broken promises, but the film shows why this specific question about the PetroCaribe funds was different. The deal with Venezuela offered Haiti discounted oil, with the savings intended for development projects such as infrastructure, health care and education. Unlike typical foreign aid, which often leaves countries trapped in debt and under foreign control, this was a chance for Haiti to invest in itself.

Unfortunately, much of the money disappeared, stolen by the people trusted to safeguard it. Many projects were either never completed or poorly executed.

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Like their ancestors, who turned from everyday people into soldiers, today's Haitians became activists and investigators. When the movement began in 2018, anyone with a smartphone could be a Petrochallenger. People used social media to demand a collective audit of the funds.

Eventually, the Moïse government was forced to conduct a full audit. Despite threats against the auditors, the Petrochallengers persisted, and three thorough reports were published.

This audit serves as the foundation for holding those responsible accountable, recovering the stolen funds and investing them in the country's development. The United States and Canada have initiated economic and political sanctions against many involved in the funds misappropriation. No arrests have been made, but Petrochallengers hope and continue to fight for justice.

The story of the question "Kot kòb PetroCaribe a?" and the Petrochallengers is more than a movement; it’s a symbol of the Haitian people’s resolve. "The Fight for Haiti" powerfully captures that determination, making it not just a historical document but an urgent call to action for a brighter future.

"The movement is not dead because the activists believe the trial is nonnegotiable," Dupain says. "The film itself is proof that the movement is very much alive, and it is also a tool to build momentum."

Will you also be a Petrochallenger?

Régine Théodat is a Haitian American entrepreneur, strategist and cultural advocate. She’s principal at Anana Consultants and owns a children's cultural learning brand, Isse & Lo.