Jamaican nurse and holder of USA Green Card, denied entry from Haiti

A Jamaican nurse practitioner was yesterday denied passage to the United States when she attempted to leave Haiti.

Melissa Marballie, who has been the holder of a US green card since 2005, was turned back by US immigration when she attempted to return to the States where she has lived since 2000.

She had been in Haiti since last Sunday, arriving with a group of medical volunteers in the aftermath of the disaster.

"I was trying to go back to the States with the group but the United States won't allow me. They say that they have so many American citizens to evacuate and they don't have space for me," Marballie told The Sunday Gleaner.

She said that Haitians with US green cards were also turned back.

Over 110,000 persons have been confirmed to have died as a result of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

The United States and Jamaica were among the nations to respond to the crisis there. The US has since taken control of Haiti's air and sea ports. Non-US citizens have been having difficulties accessing the facilities.

Forced out on the streets by US policy, Marballie found her way to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) base where she was allowed to stay. She will journey from the base to Jamaica en route to the US. Although happy to use the opportunity to say hello to relatives in Jamaica, she is not amused.

"The way I feel about the United States' actions cannot be put into words," Marballie said.

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Comment by Keisha Brown on May 24, 2010 at 1:18pm: MARBALLIE..THINGS LIKE HER INCIDENT HAPPEN FOR A REASON...LET IT BE A BLESSING AND A LESSON TO THE WISE AND PRUDENT...foolish onces will think it citzenship that is required....however denial is a denial of entry...it doesn't mean there wasn't space to come...

Comment by Delano Nosworthy on February 2, 2010 at 12:59am: it's a great comment LB facts are facts while i commend her for her big heart in this time of tradegy US has to look our for their citizens first just as jamaica or any other country will and should do.

Comment by Crown on January 31, 2010 at 2:05am: i see your true color shineing through.

Comment by L B on January 31, 2010 at 1:04am: Just another benefit of becoming a US citizen and there are many more! Every country look out for its citizens first. Jamaica, France, England, the USA and many others went to Haiti and rescue its citizens only. Citizenship guarantees PROTECTION! There are still many US citizens left in Haiti that want to leave, but have to wait for available flights. Ms. Marballie is a true humanitary, but offically, her allegence is to Jamaica. When you take that pledge of allegence to the USA, where-ever you are, whatever mess you are in, they are coming to your rescue. As soon as you are eligible, spend the $$$ and get your USA citizenship if you want all the benefits of a US citizen. Attention all US citizens: make sure your have the US Embassy phone # in your cell phones whenever you travel (where ever that may be).

Comment by cynthia drake on January 30, 2010 at 7:46pm: Amazing, where is the heart in this place , this woman left her home to do a good deal to be treated unfairly.

Comment by Chatta on January 30, 2010 at 12:59pm: Yall do know the weather could be controlled right? Ever wonder why things like this are happening to our people. It takes a penny to buy a few cookies in Haiti. The millions of dollars raised for the earthquake, and the media and US force is still pleading for money. Therefore, dem make the earthquake, taking nuff of the money for themselves, who knows how much is going to Haiti. You see individual citizens setting up tents with thier own money, with the amount of money donated it can build a whole new Haiti, trus mi pon dat. The US needed some money so this was their tatic.

Comment by garah678 on January 29, 2010 at 9:47pm: green card is not doing it again i will not go on a plain whit just a green card dat is just life now

Comment by Shznick on January 29, 2010 at 5:42am: Thats why you should get citizenship asap.Because the sad thruth is through any disaster its gonna be citizens 1st and then permanent residents. Just as how citizens have overall better privileges. Although i hear they are about to change the distinction between a resident and a citizen this year.(but dont quote me on that)

Comment by aladysiren on January 28, 2010 at 11:04am: This is crazy this woman is doing a good service for the people of Haiti and this is how America treats her I can't believe it.

Comment by BabyGirlBubble**JamaicanPrincess on January 27, 2010 at 6:12pm: ONLY GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING BEST.. BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT!!!! .. this story just grieves my spirit..