You are so on our minds, as we await news that you have crossed into Canada. May the border immigration officials be kind and welcome you. May they please let you in and take care of you.

Oh, how we hated to see you leave the Island. During the year that you have been here, you have been such a graceful, friendly presence in our neighborhood and in our lives.

Oh, how we have always loved seeing your gentle face. We have cheered from the sidelines as you became a student at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. We enjoyed seeing you ride your bicycle down the street and seeing you working at the Vineyard Haven Stop & Shop check-out counter. As you were building a life away from the dangers of Haiti, you added quelque chose spécial to our lives.

Just like that, you received a letter from U.S. Immigration, stating that your visa had been revoked effective April 12, 2025, and that you had to leave the country by April 24.

Just like that. A repeal and obliteration of the two-year sponsorship program created by President Biden that brought you here. Just like that.

Those who know best, said you can’t go back to Haiti. No flights to Port au Prince, gangs control roads, it’s dangerous at best to try and get there, let alone survive. No future.

You are not the first to head north through Vermont to Canada. We recall stories of the Underground Railroad, how to Follow the Drinking Gourd. Our friends, your sponsors, are carrying you to the northern border of Vermont, to freedom.

You are young, you are kind, you have your life ahead of you. Be brave. Courageous. We have high hopes for you!

Oh, Canada, please take care of this wonderful human being. He will become an asset to your country. Thank you.

Marilyn Hopkins

Vineyard Haven