Haitians face illegal entry charges in Vermont

[April 20, 2010]  BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) -- The U.S. Border Patrol says it's arrested more than 100 people from Haiti for allegedly illegally entering Vermont from Canada since a massive earthquake devastated the Caribbean nation.

In the time since the Jan. 12 earthquake, officials say they've caught 114 Haitians in Vermont who crossed the border illegally.

Lawyers assigned to represent the Haitians told the Burlington Free Press that many are coming to the U.S. because they are desperate to be with relatives and loved ones after the quake killed family members in their home country.

Tristram Coffin, the U.S. attorney for Vermont, says he's not inclined to ease up on the charges because a deterrent is needed for people who try to enter this country illegally.

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Information from: The Burlington Free Press, http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/

[Associated Press]

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