PROTESTS AROUND THE UNITED STATES
The United States is home to a large population of Dominican Americans. These Dominicans have voiced their opposition to the citizenship policy changes in New York and Miami mainly. Their protests and stance in solidarity with Haitian-Dominicans shows an attitude against the racist ideology that is primarily found in the DR. Below are various news articles reporting on the many protests around the country. These Western news articles and responses by the people are important because they recognize the issue and bring it to light in a world where the population typically turns a blind eye to the suffering and injustices present around the world.
PROTESTORS IN MIAMI
June 27, 2015
Members of the Haitian and Dominican community residing in Miami stood together to voice their opinion for citizenship and against the mass deportation that has been proposed by the government, and already carried out to an extent. The group marched from the Dominican Embassy to the Haitian Embassy and back to the Dominican in Miami to represent their unified stance against discrimination. It is a powerful protest because Dominicans that were privileged both on the island and in America are denouncing the xenophobic and racist actions taken by the government.
WE ARE ALL DOMINICAN
January 1, 2023
This blog describes the "We are all Dominican" movement in New York City encompassing the Haitians and Dominicans living in the city that are in opposition to the government decisions for deportation on the island. It is a very informative blog that includes the history of the policies in the Dominican Republic and how the country is contributing to a broader racism. They provide events and promote solidarity with the use of poets and messages through videos and photos.
PROTESTS IN NEW YORK
November 13, 2013
At the start of the change in constitutional law, the Dominican Americans have stood together in solidarity with their family members still in Hispaniola, whether Dominican or Haitian. This article brings to light the population of Dominicans also living in Haiti, so this would affect all groups on the island. The article gives many stories from Dominican Americans that also reflect on what could have happened to their own family had their ancestor three generations before them had been born in Haiti instead of the DR; they would have been stripped of their citizenship along with all other family members along the line because of one person. This article is very helpful to explain how the Dominican and Haitians living in America are reacting to these injustices and have decided to stand in solidarity with those still on the island.
Once again, these protests are all wonderful to represent the larger population that is affected by these actions on this small island. But, as the audience, you must understand that this is not a solution to the greater issue of racism and discrimination in the DR. More action needs to be taken in order to make a significant change and to recognize the rights these Dominico-Haitians deserve.