In 2013, the courts ruled that only people born in the Dominican Republic, and who were descendents of Dominican parents/ legal residents would be considered legal citizens. This ruling stripped thousands of Dominican born Haitians of their nationality. Throughout the day we were able to see the effects first hand from different perspectives. Today, June 18th, was Immigration Day. After breakfast we took a bus to Elias Pina, a small city near the Haitian/Dominican border. There, we visited a museum and explored the similarities and differences between the Haitian and Dominican cultures such as religion, music, agriculture, and lifestyle. After the museum, we traveled to “no man’s land,” a small area of land between the Haitian and Dominican border. There we saw how Dominican guards picked and chose who could and could not enter the country. After seeing the border we returned to Elias Pina and explored the famous open border market, which was very chaotic. Many of the items sold by the Haitian people were American donated goods that did not fit their needs. Before eating lunch, we met with Haitian students living in the DR and were able to ask about the benefits and struggles they faced. Then, after lunch, we drove to the hotel with a bunch of sleepy children. Once there, we discussed what we learned the Suarez community would like to have as our Community Action Project (CAP); they would like us to build seating for their baseball stadium and repaint their back stop so it will match the energy of the community. After the CAP meeting, we went to prep for our third session of English tutoring. After successful lessons we had dinner at Rosaura’s and returned to the hotel to reflect on the day.
At the reflection we were able to compare and contrast the Haitian/Dominican border to our Mexican/U.S. border. At both, racial profiling is the main determinant for military personal at the border. Many Haitians were stopped or turned around because of their physical features. Though the open border market is encouraged, the tension between both is still very prevalent. We have seen this tension both at the border and in San Juan throughout our trip. Both the Dominican Republic and the United States of America are experiencing similar political and social problems about people crossing the border and coming into our country. Like some Americans, many Dominicans dislike immigrants and see them as a threat, rather than an addition to society. The bad blood between both countries has blinded many of the citizens and as a result many Dominican and Haitian communities struggle to live in harmony.
Hey Chloe D, I hope Immigration Day was an eye-opening experience for you. I know you’re interested in this topic (remember the Vox video we both watched?), and I’m sure you learned a lot. I miss you a lot Chlo and I can’t wait to see you!
PS: the derpettes launched a new joke called “Bring Back and Deify Nash Grier”, and we can’t wait for your valuable input and support.
PPS: Hey Sam and Katie!! Miss you guys!!
Kailee & Glimpsers,
Thank you for explaining what Immigration Day is and what it represents in the DR. Today seemed to be a very educational, yet it must have been a bit nerve racking to be so close to the border and feel the tension between the Haitians and Dominicans. I can’t wait to hear all about the CAP and the progress you guys will be making in the upcoming days. Can you believe it? Just 1.5 weeks left to go. And it seems like you guys have made accomplished so much already. Keep up the great work and support for the DR. We support you from USA, California, Bay Area!
Have a blast tomorrow.
Love
Mom, Dad, & Didi
Valerie, hope you are having a great time learning. Less than a wk left.. see you soon! Love you! The twins and I miss you! 🙂
Hello Kailee!!
Wow, this trip sounds amazing!!! We can’t wait to hear about what you have learned and see how you have grown. This experience gives you all a unique perspective on so many aspects of life. Being that you are all leaders, you have a chance to make a difference for years to come. Looking forward to seeing positive changes you make, even as simple as a smile and being understanding of others that don’t have the opportunities you have been given.
Be safe, have fun and take care,
Ms. Mary and family
Hello Abigail and Glimpsers,
We have been so happy to read the blogs and learn about your varied and educational experiences of each day. Yesterday, Immigration Day, seemed particularly eye opening on such a tough situation. I can only imagine what that marketplace was like.
It is good to hear that you have a CAP project working on a ball field! Love of sports is so universal and has already proved to be an activity that has connected you all with the locals. Maybe another game is in store!
Hope your spanish is being put to good use. I am sure your presence is so welcome and appreciated!!
We were so sorry to miss your call on Sunday. Lots of love! Mom
Hi Samantha, just want to say how proud I am of you! You are certainly having an experience of a lifetime…soak it all in as I want to hear all about it when you return home! Have been reading the daily posts regarding your outings and experiences with local people, etc. Papa and I are sending our love and hugs to you!
Grandma Paulette