Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Santo Domingo to protest the Dominican government’s proposed plan to regularize the status of undocumented foreign workers, a move that would primarily affect Haitian immigrants. The protest, held outside the National Congress, was led by the far-right nationalist organization La Antigua Orden Dominicana, which accuses the government of sacrificing Dominican labor rights in favor of business interests.
The demonstration is the latest flare-up in long-simmering tensions between Dominicans and the growing Haitian population in the country. Protesters voiced strong opposition to what they see as an erosion of national identity and worsening competition for jobs and public services.
Protesters Decry ‘Haitianization’ of Dominican Labor
Ángelo Vásquez, president of La Antigua Orden Dominicana, delivered a fiery speech during the rally, criticizing business owners and government officials for supporting a policy he says benefits foreign labor at the expense of Dominican citizens.
“Why are business owners advocating for a new regularization of Haitians?” Vásquez asked. “Because that way they don’t pay taxes, they don’t have to insure them. They prefer to Haitianize the country than pay a decent wage to the Dominican people, and we cannot allow that.”
The protest featured signs bearing slogans such as “No more Haitian regulation” and “Diaspora present. We don’t want to be foreigners in our own country.” Many attendees wore Dominican flags as headscarves and capes, chanting nationalist slogans in defiance of the proposed legislation.
Xenophobia Denied, National Identity Cited
Despite the harsh rhetoric, members of La Antigua Orden Dominicana insist the protests are not rooted in hatred of foreigners. Ruth García, a spokesperson for the group, argued that the movement is focused on fairness and the defense of Dominican interests.
“It’s not that we’re xenophobic,” García said. “We’re just tired of Dominicans being denied opportunities that are given to Haitians. This is about protecting our people, our jobs, and our future.”
However, critics of the protest, including human rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups warn that the language used by some demonstrators mirrors past waves of xenophobia and scapegoating, particularly against Haitian communities, who have long faced discrimination in the Dominican Republic.
Government Defends Deportation and Reform Strategy
In response to growing pressure from both sides, the Dominican government has defended its dual strategy of large-scale deportations and selective regularization of undocumented immigrants. Officials argue that controlling illegal immigration while creating a formal system for legal workers is essential for national security and economic efficiency.
The government has pledged to deport up to 10,000 undocumented Haitians per week, citing the mounting burden on public infrastructure and services. Authorities say over 80,000 Haitian students have enrolled in the Dominican school system, and that Haitian women account for the majority of births in many public hospitals, factors that officials argue are straining education and healthcare budgets.
A government spokesperson noted that the new plan is not an open-door policy, but rather a structured approach to regulating labor markets and reducing exploitation.
Haiti-Dominican Tensions Deepen
The Dominican Republic, home to about 11 million people, is estimated to host more than 500,000 Haitian immigrants, many of whom work in agriculture, construction, and domestic labor. The porous border between the two nations and Haiti’s prolonged political and economic crisis have contributed to a steady flow of undocumented migration.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent years, marked by border closures, deportations, and frequent diplomatic clashes. The regularization plan aimed at organizing this migrant labor force is seen by some as a practical necessity, while others view it as a dangerous concession that undermines Dominican sovereignty.
A Nation Divided Over Immigration and Identity
The protest outside Congress reveals deep societal divisions over how the Dominican Republic should handle its migrant population. While some sectors of the economy depend heavily on Haitian labor, others fear that regularization will lead to further social tension and cultural dilution.
The government has yet to finalize the details of the plan, and public consultations are expected to continue. However, with nationalist groups promising more protests and immigrant advocates pushing for human rights protections, the issue is shaping up to be one of the most politically charged debates in the country’s recent history.
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