The Take

Why is the Dominican Republic deporting Haitian migrants?

Jun 5, 2025
Natasha Del Toro, an Al Jazeera journalist and podcast host known for her documentary 'Nowhere to Belong,' discusses the Dominican Republic's mass deportations of Haitian migrants. She reveals the harsh realities faced by these individuals, including violence and statelessness. Del Toro examines the historical tensions rooted in anti-Haitian sentiment and the implications of new citizenship laws affecting children of undocumented parents. The conversation highlights the racial dynamics that complicate national identity and the urgent humanitarian crisis at the border.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Deportees' Harrowing Border Arrival

  • Deportees arrive at the Haiti-Dominican Republic border in chaotic, dangerous conditions with no order or basic support.
  • Many are barefoot, exhausted, and separated from loved ones, highlighting the harsh reality of forced deportation.
ANECDOTE

Violent Deportations and Detention

  • Deportations involve violent arrests where people are tackled and chased like criminals, sometimes sustaining injuries.
  • Detainees are held in filthy, overcrowded detention centers with inadequate food, reflecting inhumane treatment.
INSIGHT

Root Causes of Haitian Migration Surge

  • Haiti's severe crisis stems from political assassination, government collapse, gang violence, and extreme poverty.
  • These compounded issues drive large numbers of Haitians to flee across the border seeking safety and survival.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app