08/16/2004

David Joseph, a Haitian asylum seeker, looks much younger than his 19 years. He has been detained in custody for over 21 months in Miami - the first year as a juvenile, and the remaining period as an adult at the Krome Processing Center in Miami - while awaiting the outcome of his asylum proceedings.   Lack of exercise, stress and - most likely - chronic malnutrition as a child in Haiti are the reasons he is undersized.

David arrived in the United States on a boat in October 2002, which was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. All of those on board were detained under a U.S. policy which seeks to deter Haitians from seeking refuge regardless of the political turmoil and the dangers posed by staying in Haiti.  Despite advocacy efforts and congressional testimony protesting this policy, the Department of Homeland Security continues to use deterrence as a reason for detaining Haitians.

David is not referred to by name at Krome. Instead guards use the last three digits of his case number. David’s number is 73-213-378, or simply “378.” He can only speak to his attorney and other visitors (including family members) through a plexiglass booth. He either raises a telephone to speak or leans close to the airway and mail slot in the glass. He wears a navy blue jumpsuit as do the other detainees.

David’s pro bono attorney, Candace Jean, speaks encouragingly to him on her visits in Creole to keep his spirits up. David shows us the letters he has received from over twenty people, in response to Amnesty International’s request to supporters to help him.

“The letters are a big help. They are important to me and help keep me going. But I really want to be free. It’s not good in here.”

After RI visited David, he wrote to us thanking us for our support, and said, “I hope you will not forget me and my case.”

If you would like to write David, you can reach him at:

David Joseph
A #73-213-378
Krome S.P.C.
18201 S.W. 12th Stl,
Miami, FL 33194