Dominican immigration policy
The Dominican Republic closed its immigrant regularisation programme on June 17. The programme had allowed many Haitians resident in the country to formalise their status. Its closure leaves many at risk of deportation, and has sparked tensions between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. While deportations are officially on hold for the moment, thousands of Haitians have already left the country.
Mass deportations could increase security risks in Haiti by creating a pool of unemployed and increasingly frustrated returnees.
The returnees could put pressure on Haitian infrastructure and divert aid funding from post-earthquake reconstruction.
Ongoing deportations could damage the Dominican Republic's reputation, potentially hindering regional cooperation.
The immigration situation will be a key issue in next year's Dominican presidential election.
