US Coast Guard: Haitian migration by sea hasn’t risen noticeably since January earthquake

Coast Guard sees no increase in Haitian migration

MIAMI — Coast Guard officials say they have yet to see a noticeable change in migration trends from Haiti following January’s devastating earthquake.

The commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Thad Allen, said Wednesday they have intercepted some Haitian migrants, but the number is not significantly above historical levels.

After the Jan. 12 earthquake, some worried about an increase in Haitians seeking to escape.

But Allen said he wasn’t surprised that no change occurred. Those who do try to reach the U.S. need a boat or the money and supplies for the passage. Since the quake, such resources are scarce.

The Coast Guard says 1,782 Haitian migrants were intercepted in the 2009 fiscal year. So far this year they are up to 444.