Day 7: Immigration Day

Que lo que amigos y familia!!! Today was a super long day for all of us. We started our day by getting up at 6 am and ate mangu, eggs, salami, fried cheese, and fruit. After that, we boarded the bus and drove 4 hours to Juan Dolio. (It was not fun!) Once we arrived at our temporary home we unpacked our bags and ate lunch together, once finished we got ready to meet ASCALA.

ASCALA is an organization that helps and supports Haitian immigrants with legal support and documentation. During our meeting with ASCALA, we discussed the discrimination that Haitian people face in the Dominican Republic. We all learned about the immigration inequality laws here in the DR and unfair labor laws. Once finished, we got on our bus and began our journey to the sugar cane fields.

All of the students were given a tour of the sugar cane fields and were shown the process of how the sugarcane is cut and cleaned. (We got to taste it as well!) We drove back home after our tour and began our group reflection on the day. During this time we discussed the roots of poverty and immigration, and how we all interconnect with those struggles. Lastly, we had dinner and passed on our torch to the next leaders! Ending off this amazing day with a pool session and later curfew.

Enrique – I’ve had a great time while being here, it’s been great, but I can’t wait to see everyone (family). I’ll make sure to make my final days count… See you soon.

Taylor Sky  – Heyy family! I miss you guys sooo much, I know you guys miss me too. I’m having so much fun here and enjoying the tropical weather. My partner Enrique has been a butt all day but I’m happy I got through it. (I’m lying he’s amazing and wait until you see our dance video) Anyways.. see you guys soon and hope you feel my love!