Since the early 1970s, Haitians have been arriving in the United States in increasing numbers. Since 1977, the Immigration and Naturalization Service has taken several steps in response to this influx and to problems Haitian refugees face regarding asylum, exclusion, and deportation. One major decision resulted in new regulations that would provide for evidentiary hearings on asylum claims. Other decisions were to release those Haitians in detention who had been unable to post $500 bond, and to authorize work permits for Haitians residing in Florida with asylum claims pending. In mid 1978, there was a marked increase in the number of Haitians arriving in Florida. The Immigration and Naturalization Service, in order to shorten lines at the district office in Miami, reduced the bureaucracy involved with processing new aliens and took steps to speed up the hearings process for Haitians already detained. Recently, several lawsuits have been filed on behalf of Haitian refugees and are currently pending. In the meantime, several thousand new work authorizations have been issued. In light of the fact that the Immigration and Naturalization Service considers that most Haitians come to America to improve their economic status rather than out of political hardship, officials feel that considerable steps have been taken to aid this group. (Author/GC)