SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The Dominican Republic announced on Wednesday plans to initiate large-scale deportations of Haitian immigrants living illegally within its borders. According to government spokesperson Homero Figueroa, the country intends to deport as many as 10,000 Haitians per week, citing an “excess” of migrants in the nation.
The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with its struggling neighbor Haiti, has been grappling with a rising number of Haitian migrants. Many of them have fled worsening violence and instability in Haiti, compounded by ineffective international intervention efforts aimed at curbing gang control and crime.
The announcement has reignited concerns about human rights abuses against Haitian migrants, but Dominican authorities insist the measure is necessary to regain control over immigration.
Increasing Flow of Haitian Migrants
Figueroa attributed the increased flow of Haitian immigrants to the deterioration of security in Haiti, where violent gangs have taken control of large swaths of the country, particularly the capital, Port-au-Prince. He noted that the escalating situation has placed additional strain on the Dominican Republic, which has become a primary destination for Haitians fleeing gang violence.
“Authorities have observed a significant uptick in Haitian migrants as a U.N.-backed mission in Haiti to combat gang violence appears to falter,” Figueroa told reporters. “We must act to address the excess of migrants entering the country.”
Although Figueroa did not provide specific details on how the government plans to implement the mass deportations, he emphasized that border surveillance and control will be strengthened. The Dominican Republic has already been fortifying its borders and implementing stricter measures to curb illegal immigration.
Deportation Figures on the Rise
The announcement follows a pattern of rising deportations of Haitian migrants in recent years. In 2022, Dominican authorities deported more than 174,000 people identified as Haitian nationals. In the first six months of 2023, the country had already expelled at least 67,000 more, and the new measures aim to accelerate that pace.
The situation has drawn sharp criticism from activists and human rights groups who accuse the government of targeting Haitians unfairly. They argue that many of those deported include individuals of Haitian descent who were born in the Dominican Republic, raising concerns over violations of their basic rights.
Despite these criticisms, Dominican President Luis Abinader has denied allegations of mistreatment, asserting that the deportations are being carried out lawfully and in accordance with the country’s immigration policies. The president has also expressed frustration with the lack of international intervention in Haiti, calling on the global community to do more to address the root causes of the crisis in the neighboring nation.
A Worsening Crisis in Haiti
Haiti has been plagued by widespread violence and political instability, particularly in recent years. Armed gangs control approximately 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and the situation has driven nearly 700,000 Haitians from their homes. Many have sought refuge in other countries, including the Dominican Republic, while others have fled in hopes of reaching the United States.
In an effort to curb the violence, the United Nations initiated a mission to support Haitian security forces. The mission is primarily led by nearly 400 police officers from Kenya, along with additional personnel from Jamaica, Belize, and other countries. However, the mission has faced significant challenges, including a lack of funding and adequate personnel.
Last week, Abinader addressed the U.N. General Assembly, warning that if the mission in Haiti fails, the Dominican Republic would be forced to take “drastic measures” to protect its own security and stability. The country’s recent deportation policy appears to be part of those measures.
Criticism and Human Rights Concerns
Activists have long criticized the Dominican government’s approach to immigration, arguing that it unfairly targets Haitians and those of Haitian descent. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over what they describe as systemic discrimination against migrants, particularly in relation to individuals born in the Dominican Republic to Haitian parents, many of whom have been rendered stateless.
The Dominican Republic has historically struggled with issues of citizenship and identity for people of Haitian descent. A controversial 2013 ruling by the country’s constitutional court stripped tens of thousands of people of Haitian descent of their citizenship, leaving many without legal status or documentation. This decision further complicated the lives of Haitian migrants and their descendants, leading to fears of statelessness and forced deportation.
Despite the outcry from rights groups, the Dominican government maintains that its actions are in line with its immigration laws and the need to control illegal migration. President Abinader has repeatedly dismissed allegations of abuse or mistreatment of migrants, instead framing the issue as a matter of national security.
International Response and Future Challenges
The Dominican Republic’s decision to ramp up deportations is likely to draw increased international attention, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The failure of the U.N.-backed mission to restore order in Haiti has placed additional pressure on neighboring countries, especially the Dominican Republic, which has borne the brunt of the migration influx.
The U.S. has also weighed in on the situation, with officials warning that the current mission in Haiti is under-resourced and calling for a more robust international peacekeeping effort. However, the future of such a mission remains uncertain, and the international community has yet to devise a long-term solution to address Haiti’s security and governance challenges.
As the Dominican Republic moves forward with its deportation policy, it faces the difficult task of balancing domestic security concerns with humanitarian obligations. The country’s relationship with Haiti remains strained, and the mass deportations are likely to further complicate cross-border relations.
For now, the Dominican Republic is focused on controlling its borders and managing the influx of migrants, while the situation in Haiti continues to spiral. How the country handles the deportations in the coming weeks and months will be closely watched, both by its citizens and by the international community.
Conclusion
The Dominican Republic’s decision to deport up to 10,000 Haitians per week marks a significant escalation in its efforts to control illegal immigration. With a growing number of Haitian migrants crossing the border in search of safety and stability, the country faces mounting pressure to address the situation.
While the government defends its deportation policy as necessary for maintaining order, critics argue that it risks exacerbating the already dire situation for migrants and their families. As the crisis in Haiti deepens and international intervention remains inadequate, the Dominican Republic’s approach to immigration will continue to draw scrutiny from both within and beyond its borders.
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