Haitians displaced by violence face deportation after fleeing to Dominican Republic

Key Concepts

• Haitian Displacement: Over 1.4 million Haitians, more than 10% of the population, have fled their homes due to violence and instability.
• Dominican Republic Border Security: The Dominican Republic has intensified border security measures, including fortifying and expanding a border wall, in response to the crisis in Haiti.
• Deportations: Approximately 200,000 Haitians have been deported from the Dominican Republic back to Haiti.
• Migrant Experiences: Haitians in the Dominican Republic face fear, limbo, arbitrary detention, and extortion, despite seeking work and a better life.
• Corruption: Allegations of corruption within the Dominican military and immigration system facilitate illegal passage and extortion.
• Human Rights Concerns: Deportations are criticized as violations of international human rights obligations, with accusations of anti-Black and anti-Haitian sentiment.
• Economic Reliance: The Dominican Republic relies on Haitian labor, particularly for low-wage jobs, but expresses concerns about control over undocumented migrants.
• Desire for Return: Many displaced Haitians express a strong desire to return to their country once stability and a future for their children are possible.

Haitian Displacement and Dominican Republic Response

The United Nations reports that 1.4 million Haitians, exceeding 10% of the country's population, have been displaced from their homes due to escalating violence and instability. A significant number of these individuals have sought refuge in the neighboring Dominican Republic. However, their situation in the Dominican Republic is characterized by fear and uncertainty, with reports indicating that around 200,000 Haitians have been deported back to Haiti. This situation is part of an ongoing series by fellows from the University of British Columbia's Global Reporting Program, with this report being presented by Ali Rogin.

Migrant Experiences in the Dominican Republic

The transcript highlights the harsh realities faced by Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic. One young man, interviewed in a modified cattle car used to transport dozens of migrants, described his experience of being detained without an arrest warrant despite working in construction and contributing to the country. He stated, "It is wrong. All this time we have been working for a house to live in. How is that I'm in jail without an arrest warrant or having done anything?" This sentiment underscores the feeling of injustice and lack of due process experienced by many.

Escalating Violence in Haiti and Dominican Republic's Stance

The sweeps and deportations in the Dominican Republic are a direct response to the escalating gang violence and economic instability in Haiti, which have intensified since the assassination of the Haitian president in 2021. The President of the Dominican Republic has asserted that his country will not succumb to the pressures from its neighbor, stating, "It has put pressure on our own country." In response, the Dominican president has fortified and expanded the border wall and pledged to increase security measures to control undocumented immigration.

Border Town Dynamics and Corruption

The border town's market is identified as one of the few places where Haitians are legally permitted to enter the Dominican Republic for trade, with the stipulation that they must depart on the same day. However, even in this designated area, armed border police maintain a guard, and there have been documented incidents of violence against Haitians. The mayor of a border town has been particularly aggressive in his stance against Haitian immigrants, reportedly participating in street roundups.

Despite the increased volume of deportations, the border remains porous. It is an "open secret" that passage can be secured through illicit means, often involving payment. One individual stated, "It is all about money. If you have the money, they let you go. You pay immigration machine." This suggests a significant level of corruption within the immigration system, with some military personnel allegedly involved in making it a "big business." While acknowledging that not all military members are corrupt, the transcript notes that "many are corrupt."

The Cycle of Deportation and Return

The transcript illustrates the cyclical nature of deportation and return for many Haitians. One man, found back home with his wife and baby the day after being deported, explained his return: "I always pass through a waterway or go through the end of the wall where the wall does not reach across the woods." He expressed a profound sense of despair, stating, "If I could survive in Haiti, I would stay. Here we are not living. We are now living because we are surviving. There is no life for Haitians." He has lost count of how many times he has been captured and returned, highlighting the involvement of the army, police, and local watchmen in extortion, corruption, and the creation of chaos.

Human Rights Condemnation and Accusations of Racism

Human rights activists have strongly condemned the deportations, with Human Rights Watch labeling them a violation of the Dominican Republic's international human rights obligations. One activist argued, "This anti-black, anti-haitian sentiment, it is not a rational way in which migration is being addressed and it is being used as a scapegoat." In response to accusations of racism, a Dominican perspective is presented: "It is said that we are racists. That is not true because a majority of Dominicans have black skin, so how can we be racist? What are issue is with our neighbors is their lack of culture."

Arbitrary Detention and Discrimination

Many Haitians report being arbitrarily detained. One individual described being grabbed off the street, showing his visa, only to be told it didn't matter because he was Black and, worse, Haitian. He was taken to a facility to meet the demands of the country's migrants. Families waiting for detained loved ones expressed their trauma and disbelief at being treated in such a manner. One individual has been picked up four times and lives in constant fear of re-detention, despite being a sponsored migrant with legal documentation and ties to the president's political party.

Economic Reliance vs. National Security Concerns

A senator acknowledges the Dominican Republic's reliance on cheap Haitian labor, stating, "We need Haitian labor if they are regulated, if they have an application." However, this is juxtaposed with a larger national security concern: "The thing is that Haiti is completely devastated and they don't have control over their citizens. We have to control our country." This highlights the complex interplay between economic necessity and perceived national security threats.

A Dream of Return and a Better Future

The transcript concludes with a poignant expression of hope from a displaced Haitian: "This is my dream, it is my dream that one day I can see people working across the border to return to our country. I have a child, I would like to see his future and would like to see him grow up." This sentiment encapsulates the deep longing for stability, safety, and the opportunity to rebuild lives and futures in their homeland.