Recently, Ruth Messinger wrote an op-ed about the immigration and citizenship policies of the Dominican Republic and how they affect people of Haitian descent.
While I agree with Ms. Messinger that we should care for and support those of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic, I strongly disagree with her assessment of what is happening and find her rhetoric troubling. I think it’s her responsibility as a respectful Jewish leader to do the necessary research before writing an opinion that is so far from the present truth.
I am proud of being both Jewish and a Dominican citizen. I have lived my entire life in the Dominican Republic and am glad to see that the Dominican Government is taking steps to remedy a citizenship system that for decades left hundreds of thousands of people undocumented and vulnerable. The current policy has the laudable goal of guaranteeing a regular status to every person living in the Dominican Republic.
In every country, people who are undocumented live in fear because they are outside the legal system and the smallest mistake or problem can have unfortunate consequences. Bringing undocumented persons out of the shadows and into a legal framework that provides rights should be regarded as a positive step.
It is important to note that the Dominican Government has worked with many well-known international organizations and foreign governments in developing and implementing its citizenship and immigration policies. They have also pledged to allow all members of the international community to visit and report on what is happening.
Like any sovereign country, the Dominican Republic has deportation policies. The Dominican Government has pledged to observe international norms; that they will not deport anyone born in the Dominican Republic; and will determine each person’s citizenship on an individual basis.
Our president, Danilo Medina, has invited members of the international community to inspect and observe deportations. I find this commitment to transparency significant and hope the international community will do as much as possible to hold the government accountable.
I agree with Ms. Messinger that the US should help and I would go even further to call on other developed countries, the UN, NGO’s, aid organizations and the Jewish community to help everyone on the Island of Hispaniola, including the Haitian Government. Many countries and organizations—especially those that have resources that the Dominican Republic does not have—are not doing enough to help those in need.
As a resident of Santo Domingo, I invite Ms. Messinger and members of the Jewish community to come to Hispaniola. I think the story of those who gain regular status is uplifting. Hundreds of thousands of people—especially those of Haitian descent—are gaining rights in the Dominican Republic through fair and transparent policies.
Yours Truly;
Jose Singer
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