From One Immigrant to Another: Haiti & Dominican Republic

Jenn C 05/27/2025

The relationship between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is not a new conversation. It’s one that’s been analyzed, debated, and written about in countless books, research papers, and news articles. Some of these are useful for understanding our shared history, but many feel repetitive, out of touch, or simply not helpful.

The truth is, the situation is complicated. That’s why no one has come up with a clear solution. Two different countries on one small island. On paper, it’s not unique—there are other examples, like Ireland and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom). But the tension that sometimes exists between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is different. And I honestly don’t know why. I’m not sure anyone fully does.

I grew up in the Dominican Republic. I can’t speak for every Dominican, but I can speak from my own experience. I never saw the kind of fear-based stories the media loves to repeat: about mafia groups or an “invasion.” What I saw were hardworking people trying to survive, trying to move forward. Just like I’m doing now, living as an immigrant in the United States.

One thing I’ve come to understand better is the role of language. It can be a bridge, or a wall. When I first came to the U.S., my English was basic. It was frustrating trying to show people who I really was, what I was capable of, and how much I wanted to succeed. Language makes a big difference. I was lucky... there are a lot of Spanish speakers here. But in the Dominican Republic, I’ve never met a Dominican who speaks fluent Creole. And I’ll admit, I don’t either. That’s part of the gap. But growing up, I only ever received kindness from Haitian classmates, neighbors, and coworkers. I’m not saying that the Dominican Republic should be responsible for Haiti. And from what I see, Haiti isn’t asking for that at all. What I am saying is that both countries already benefit from each other, whether people want to admit it or not.

Just look at the informal border market. It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful. It supports a lot of families on both sides. Has anyone really looked into how many Dominican and Haitian households rely on that market to eat, to survive? Maybe a better approach would be to require business owners to legalize their workers. Maybe we can regulate the border better—without violating people’s rights or treating them like criminals. I don’t have all the answers. But that’s what leaders are for: to come up with thoughtful, balanced solutions.

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic is growing. The economy is doing well. We had over 10 million tourists last year. Life is getting better for many people, and I think that’s something to be proud of. We worked hard for that progress. But I also wonder: if things are improving, how big is this “problem” really?

I hope we get to a place where every Dominican has food on the table and a roof over their head. And maybe then, we’ll all be able to see the bigger picture more clearly—that the country’s progress isn’t just thanks to politicians or one part of the population. It’s because of everyone. From Dominicans working office jobs in Santo Domingo, to Dominicans and Haitians building and serving in the tourism industry, to immigrants sending money home, to the little kid in Playa Macao smiling at tourists—everyone contributes.

Maybe I’m wrong. But I believe anyone who wakes up every morning and gives their best deserves to be seen, respected, and valued. Whether it’s through the money they earn, the business they support, or the community they help build—these people are part of the country’s success.

So, if you’re Dominican or Haitian, living in the Dominican Republic and working hard to support yourself or your family—I see you. And thank you. You’re part of our progress too.