In 2021, over 145,000 Haitian migrants seeking refuge or better opportunities were observed crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, amidst a broader exodus of more than 200,000 undocumented individuals leaving the Dominican Republic by 2025. This migration surge highlights the ongoing regional instability and economic hardships faced by Haitians and others in the Caribbean. The image captured by Ariana Drehsler/UPI vividly illustrates the scale of this movement, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive migration policies.
According to recent reports, the number of undocumented migrants departing the Dominican Republic has increased by approximately 70% compared to the previous year. This rise is partly driven by the Dominican government’s intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration, led by President Luis Abinader and the National Security and Defense Council. Since October 2024, following the implementation of new immigration regulations, authorities have ramped up deportation operations targeting Haitian nationals.
International organizations have expressed concern over the human rights implications of these deportation campaigns. Many Haitians living in the Dominican Republic now face heightened fears of detention and expulsion, which have significantly restricted their access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. The deportation policies have also included measures that restrict entry for pregnant Haitian women in their third trimester, citing healthcare capacity limitations for undocumented foreigners.
The United Nations has publicly condemned the deportation of approximately 900 pregnant or breastfeeding Haitian women in recent months. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, revealed that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been providing assistance at the border, supporting an average of 30 women each month during their deportation process. Dujarric emphasized that such actions violate international human rights standards.
Between April 2024 and May 2025, nearly 20,000 Haitians have been forcibly repatriated from the Dominican Republic-an unprecedented figure for this period, underscoring the intensification of migration control measures.
The Dominican government has responded by reinforcing its border security infrastructure, including the construction of a 160-kilometer border wall equipped with advanced sensors, surveillance cameras, and watchtowers. These measures aim to reduce irregular crossings, combat smuggling, and enhance national security. The government asserts that these actions are conducted with respect for human rights, emphasizing adherence to both national and international standards.
Haiti is currently experiencing one of its most severe crises in recent history. Widespread violence perpetrated by armed gangs controls over 80% of Port-au-Prince, the capital, leading to a breakdown of public order. These gangs have launched assaults on government institutions, carried out mass killings, and targeted detention centers, resulting in the displacement of more than 1 million residents. The transitional government, led by the Presidential Transitional Council under Fritz Alphonse Jean, is struggling to maintain stability.
The ongoing insecurity has devastated Haiti’s healthcare system, forcing numerous hospitals to shut down and prompting medical professionals to flee the country. This has led to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as cholera, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Food insecurity is also critical, with over 5 million Haitians unable to access sufficient nutrition, and many living in conditions approaching famine.
The migration and humanitarian crises in Haiti and the Dominican Republic are interconnected, reflecting broader regional challenges related to economic disparity, political instability, and security threats. Addressing these issues requires coordinated international efforts, including humanitarian aid, development programs, and comprehensive migration policies that respect human rights while ensuring national security.
