Emergency 48-hour campaign. Help bring Paul home by clicking this link: https://rfkhumanrights.org/our-impact/justice/us-justice/bring-paul-home/ to send an automated letter urging President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to take action.

Paul Pierrilus, a rehabilitated man from Rockland County, New York, has been stranded in Haiti—a country he has never known—for nearly four years. Deported in February 2021, Paul was sent to one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Port-au-Prince, despite having no ties, citizenship, or resources in Haiti. His situation is urgent and life-threatening, requiring immediate intervention from the Biden Administration and Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security.

Paul was born in Saint Martin and lived in the United States for over 35 years, the only home he has known since the age of five. Both the Haitian and French governments have confirmed in writing that Paul is not a citizen of their countries, rendering him stateless. Despite a full pardon from New York Governor Kathy Hochul recognizing his transformation and rehabilitation, Paul remains exiled in inhumane conditions.

Extraordinary Dangers in Haiti
Haiti is in the grip of a severe humanitarian crisis. Port-au-Prince, where Paul has been forced to live, is plagued by daily shootings, rampant gang violence, kidnappings, and one of the highest murder rates per capita in the world. Without an ID, passport, or legal status, Paul is defenseless and constantly at risk of being misidentified as a gang member. This puts him in danger from both violent gangs and the bwa kale movement—a citizen-led campaign that executes suspected gang members without trial.

As a high-profile deportee whose story has received national and international media coverage, Paul’s vulnerability is heightened. Locals perceive him as a wealthy “American” with ties to the United States, increasing his risk of kidnapping, violence, and extortion. He has already endured multiple life-threatening incidents, including:

 • Losing his home to arson
 • Dodging gunfire on multiple occasions
 • The tragic loss of neighbors to kidnappings and murders

Paul’s chronic asthma further endangers his life in a country with a collapsing healthcare system that cannot meet basic medical needs.

Unjust Hardship for Paul and His Family
Paul’s deportation has caused extreme hardship for his elderly U.S. citizen parents, who relied on him for financial and emotional support. His absence has left them struggling to manage their mortgage and daily life without his assistance.

Despite the immense challenges, Paul remains supported by his family, church, community, and organizations like Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the National Immigrant Justice Center, and the Haitian Bridge Alliance.

A Call for Immediate Action
Paul Pierrilus’s case is not only a matter of justice but also a matter of life and death. We respectfully urge President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to take the following actions before the conclusion of their current term:

 1. Grant Protection Under the Convention Against Torture (CAT): Haiti’s inability to protect Paul from gang violence and systemic instability meets the criteria for CAT relief, as his continued presence in the country constitutes inhumane treatment.

 2. Provide Discretionary Relief: Paul’s full pardon and demonstrated rehabilitation make him a strong candidate for discretionary relief, such as a visa waiver or administrative remedy.

 3. Approve Humanitarian Parole: Paul’s chronic asthma and the dire conditions in Haiti necessitate urgent humanitarian intervention to allow his return to the United States for medical care and safety.

Plea for Justice
Paul’s exile is a stark reminder of the injustices faced by stateless individuals.

 “I appeal to you for a chance to return to my family in New York—the only home I have known since the age of five. Deporting me to a country I’ve never been to is not only unjust, it’s inhumane. Please grant me the opportunity to live in safety and dignity.”

This is a test of America’s commitment to justice, redemption, and compassion. Let us not turn our backs on Paul Pierrilus. By signing this petition, you are standing with Paul and urging the U.S. government to right this wrong.

Let’s bring Paul home.

Click this link: https://rfkhumanrights.org/our-impact/justice/us-justice/bring-paul-home/ to send an automated letter urging President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to take action.