The concept of “humanitarian parole” strikes me as emblematically American, albeit excessively witty. Does it mean that a person is emancipated and discharged of being Human or Haitian? Parole certainly suggests, if not exactly prior guilt, e.g., Original sin, at least some form of previous incarceration or imprisonment. Most likely, it means that Haitians are provisionally granted the status of humans on the grounds that their captors have humanitarian sentiments towards the beasts. Who knows. Like I said, excessively witty.
In any case, it seems few Haitians are granted this esteemed status.
MIAMI – The United States has suspended its medical evacuations of critically injured Haitian earthquake victims until a dispute over who will pay for their care is settled, military officials said Friday…
Only 34 people have been given humanitarian parole for medical reasons, said Matthew Chandler, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security. The National Disaster Medical System, if activated, would cover the costs of caring for patients regardless of their legal status.
I hope they at least have ankle bracelets.