Dominican Immigrants in the U.S.: Poverty, Education and Welfare

bienamor

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Company meetings

Is that a fact? Thanks for making me aware of my own cultural's values to me. I must have been living under a rock all these years. I had no idea. Is that a fact or merely a perception/bias filtered through a non-Dominican's (Italian's???) mind? I have heard of complaints about many islanders (people from the Caribbean) just being more laid back in general about time and work committments though. Is that what you are referring to?

We used to publish the meeting time at say 3:00 American time. Also used to collect cell phones, old days beepers, and close the door at three. late arrivals warned. This way we did not continually have attendees up and leaving the meeting, then coming back and wanting to rehash what they missed.

Only thing I know that actually starts on time here is concerts/events at the the national theater. If they say starts at 8:00pm the doors to the hall will be closing at 8:01. Even the carnival parade here in the capital usually starts about 1-2 hours later than published. So no its not a perception its a fact.
As was said eariler if you want people there at 9pm you have to tell them it starts at 8pm at least an hour earlier.
 

SKing

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I wonder if we took a poll of Dominican taxi drivers, bodega owners and other self-employed Dominican men and asked them how many of their spouses are on welfare, what the number would be? I bet it would be high. I think a lot of these "SAHM" are on public assistance.
The number would be extremely high. In speaking with some Campesinos yesterday in Sajoma, apparently they are being told by Dom-Yorks that "it's all good". That when you get to the US you really don't HAVE to take care of yourself and your family because the government will do it. The land of milk and honey. When I explained to them what Medicaid, Food Stamps, WIC, etc. REALLY was and who it is intended for, they were like "What?!?!" When I explained to them that these people were stealing, they didn't look so proud. One woman actually thought that EVERYONE in the US gets Medicaid. Go figure why when they get over there the first place they go is the welfare office.
SHALENA
 

GKLSY

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"Stranger, 'Dominican Time' was one of the first phenomena I learned about 33+ years ago - and I heard it first from my Dominican husband..."

I also picked up this phrase directly from Dominicans. I think I first heard it when trying to check into a hotel. My room was not ready. I stated that check-in was supposed to be at 3pm. I was told "that's 3pm Dominican time". Another time I waited about 15 min. past the time we had agreed on, to meet up with some friends, then I left. They contacted me later to ask "que pasa?" because I wasn't there. I said I was there at 12:00. Again, I was told "that's 12:00 Dominican time". This phrase is used so often in my circle of Domimican friends, that I automatically clarify "is that Dominican time, or American time" whenever making plans now. I don't think it's offensive, as they all seem to think it's funny and view their lack of concern with "time" as part of the appeal of their laid back lifestyle. In a social setting it's not really a problem, but in the context of business, it could be.
 
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My, my my the bigotry (that does not exist BTW according to some posters) on this thread!

1. Dominicans are on welfare because they are on "Dominican time" and therefore are unemployable.

2. Dominicans who are earniing an income invariably have spouses that are on welfare and are SAHMs.


That's rich, especially considering:

1. Nationally, the highest percentage of welfare recipients are Caucasian, not even African-American. Is it because the are all on "white trash time" and can't hold down or get a job? I don't think so and would never suggest it.

2.The spouses of the majority of Dominican men are stay at home Moms (SAHM) who cry abandonment by their men and collect welfare.

Keep it coming folks. Really, keep it coming. It is hilarious to me how you bigots, in your zeal to poke holes in my argument are actually corroborating my theories about the social malady that is racism against Latinos in general with your outrageous statements. Sort of like the ol' "Abolition? Nonsense, our Negroes like being taken care of" spiel back in the slave days. If the devil is in the details than the bigotry is in the denials.

Get it straight RVGirl. A welfare recipient can no longer "stay at home and collect a check". You have to earn your check and that welfare "salary" turns out to be less than minimum wage with no benefits, no rights, and all the abuse you can stand. Day care vouchers are provided to enable the recipient with very young children to earn their checks.

I have worked in the social service field and will tell you that you know not of what you speak. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
 
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"Stranger, 'Dominican Time' was one of the first phenomena I learned about 33+ years ago - and I heard it first from my Dominican husband..."

I also picked up this phrase directly from Dominicans. I think I first heard it when trying to check into a hotel. My room was not ready. I stated that check-in was supposed to be at 3pm. I was told "that's 3pm Dominican time". Another time I waited about 15 min. past the time we had agreed on, to meet up with some friends, then I left. They contacted me later to ask "que pasa?" because I wasn't there. I said I was there at 12:00. Again, I was told "that's 12:00 Dominican time". This phrase is used so often in my circle of Domimican friends, that I automatically clarify "is that Dominican time, or American time" whenever making plans now. I don't think it's offensive, as they all seem to think it's funny and view their lack of concern with "time" as part of the appeal of their laid back lifestyle. In a social setting it's not really a problem, but in the context of business, it could be.

AE, Kahuilito has explained it better than I in his previous post. Good-natured ribbing among Dominicans is one thing.........
 
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I think the confusion may be in the semantics.

Public assistance = Welfare

However, there is no "free money" being handed out because after the reforms of the early 90's, you now have to earn your cash subsidy.

Food Stamps is considered a subsidy for wage-earners or retired or disabled people on fixed incomes

Once again, to qualify for FS you must provide proof of income and show that your income is enough for your shelter expenses (including utilities), otherwise you will be found ineligible. Unless one of those typical, shiftless Dominicans(sarcasm) is holding down 2 jobs and only reporting one to the FS office because he is working under the books, I do not see the myriad of ways how the system can be as easily exploited as is being suggested.

Unless things have changed dramatically since I was in the field, you people have got it wrong.
 

RGVgal

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My, my my the bigotry (that does not exist BTW according to some posters) on this thread!

1. Dominicans are on welfare because they are on "Dominican time" and therefore are unemployable.

2. Dominicans who are earniing an income invariably have spouses that are on welfare and are SAHMs.


That's rich, especially considering:

1. Nationally, the highest percentage of welfare recipients are Caucasian, not even African-American. Is it because the are all on "white trash time" and can't hold down or get a job? I don't think so and would never suggest it.

2.The spouses of the majority of Dominican men are stay at home Moms (SAHM) who cry abandonment by their men and collect welfare.

Keep it coming folks. Really, keep it coming. It is hilarious to me how you bigots, in your zeal to poke holes in my argument are actually corroborating my theories about the social malady that is racism against Latinos in general with your outrageous statements. Sort of like the ol' "Abolition? Nonsense, our Negroes like being taken care of" spiel back in the slave days. If the devil is in the details than the bigotry is in the denials.

Get it straight RVGirl. A welfare recipient can no longer "stay at home and collect a check". You have to earn your check and that welfare "salary" turns out to be less than minimum wage with no benefits, no rights, and all the abuse you can stand. Day care vouchers are provided to enable the recipient with very young children to earn their checks.

I have worked in the social service field and will tell you that you know not of what you speak. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

So we are bigots b/c we are speaking of people that we have seen or know of that are taking advantage of the system? BTW, I am a Dominican and I'm not going to play the race card to justify the fact that many Dominicans come to this country and abuse social services.
 
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RVGirl,

Well then, if you are Dominican, if we are to follow your theory, more than likely you are a SAHM collecting a check and married to a taxi driver or bodega owner. Right? When is the next recertification? I can offer my assistance to facilitate your exploiting the system since I am Dominicana as well and, according to your theory again, must abuse the system as well, even if it means simply assisting other to do so.

I think not.

I am OK with the statement "many Domincans came to this country and abused the system. Past tense. Let's be more relevant people please.
 

cobraboy

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Racism discussions always end well on DR1...
 
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mountainannie

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the time

Stranger, 'Dominican Time' was one of the first phenomena I learned about 33+ years ago - and I heard it first from my Dominican husband [who is remarkably prompt, even early, for everything]. It aggravates him to no end that many/most Dominicans show up for dinner parties late, and if they tell you to be there at 9 pm, and you show up on time, you're too early. We've learned that if we want the family there at 9 we tell them to be there at 8. And if they tell us to be there at 9 we force ourselves to get there later, as much as it bothers us both :ermm:

Sometimes we joke with his brothers - and ask them if they want us there 'Dominican Time' or 'American Time'.

It's a cultural thing in DR, not meant to be insulting or offensive. It's just the way it is - most of the time.


this was THE LEAD item in the joke around SD about why Dominicans would not make good terrorists...

1. Because they would never all get to the place on time

2. Because they would have to tell all their friends what they were going to do, before and after.

it went on and on....
 

bienamor

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Food Stamps | Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
FNS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eligibility is based on income. If your income is less than or equal to the amounts in the charts below (based on your family size), you may be eligible for food stamps. Income means your household?s total gross monthly income before taxes and your household expenses are subtracted. Benefits from other programs such as Unemployment Insurance, Welfare, Social Security or SSI count as income. As of January 1, 2008, most households no longer have a resource test ? meaning that the household?s assets (savings accounts, etc.) are not counted for food stamp purposes.

Income Guidelines (no elderly or disabled member)
Family Size Monthly Gross Income* Annual Gross Income*
1 $ 1,127 $ 13,524
2 $ 1,517 $ 18,204
3 $ 1,907 $ 22,884
4 $ 2,297 $ 27,564
Each additional person $ 390 + $ 4,680 +

https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/selfservice/
requirements are not the same depending on the state, it is administered by the feds. but the states set the guidelines as income guidelines vary.


not that hard to get stuff and I would hope that Caucasians are the largest recipients as they are the majority of the population.
 

SKing

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I think the confusion may be in the semantics.

Public assistance = Welfare

However, there is no "free money" being handed out because after the reforms of the early 90's, you now have to earn your cash subsidy.

Food Stamps is considered a subsidy for wage-earners or retired or disabled people on fixed incomes

Once again, to qualify for FS you must provide proof of income and show that your income is enough for your shelter expenses (including utilities), otherwise you will be found ineligible. Unless one of those typical, shiftless Dominicans(sarcasm) is holding down 2 jobs and only reporting one to the FS office because he is working under the books, I do not see the myriad of ways how the system can be as easily exploited as is being suggested.

Unless things have changed dramatically since I was in the field, you people have got it wrong.
Maybe things have changed, maybe they are different state to state because I can dispute your knowledge because I was raised in the projects and still have SEVERAL acquaintances from High School who are not working and are on PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
Also, emergency Medicaid is available to EVERY pregnant woman that doesn't have health insurance or a job...legal or not because the US protects fetuses, infants, and children. You think these 8 or 9 month pregnant girls come over here and get a job real quick to qualify for that sh*t...please.
SHALENA
 

bachata

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In January this year I went with my wife to an job interview in Cary NC the company was looking for a bilingual (English / Spanish) manager assistant.
After the interview my wife told me some thing that is really racist The interviewer when reading the application asked her.. Why you wrote down here that you are Hispanic? she answered because I'm Dominican, them he came back and said but you are white you can say that you are Caucasian instead of Hispanic

Is this racist or no???

JJ
 

RGVgal

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RVGirl,

Well then, if you are Dominican, if we are to follow your theory, more than likely you are a SAHM collecting a check and married to a taxi driver or bodega owner. Right? When is the next recertification? I can offer my assistance to facilitate your exploiting the system since I am Dominicana as well and, according to your theory again, must abuse the system as well, even if it means simply assisting other to do so.

I think not.

I am OK with the statement "many Domincans came to this country and abused the system. Past tense. Let's be more relevant people please.

I'm not married to a self-employed Dominican, so I don't fall in to that category. If you read my previous post, you would see that I was wondering what the numbers would be. I do think that they would be high b/c a lot of the Dominican women that I have met that are on some type of public assistance have a "husband" at home that works. They do not tell social services that they live with their spouse and they don't report his income.
 
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I wasn't aware of Dominicanas pregnant in their last trimester coming over and getting emergency Medicaid. A very good example of abuse.

As far as the other examples of the wage earning Dominicana not reporting a spouse who may or not be legally married to her, who may or may not be sharing his income with her equitably or at all, who may or may not be adequately supporting any children from the marriage, who may or may not be supporting children from other marriages, or may himself be struggling to come up with the exorbitantly high fees for his license to drive a taxi (a dangerous profession nowadays, I might add).

This may not be relevant to the discussion but I can not resist pointing out that the rich have their tax shelters, overseas bank accounts, "golden parachutes", etc. Many Americans of all colors have had their life savings wiped out by white collar, corporate thieves who have bilked millions fromm hard-working, honest Americans, - a robbery that is being sanctioned by some corrupt, American politicians. That is the real abuse I am more concerned with, not some working poor Dominicana hiding a husband who is earning a living legally.
 

SKing

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I wasn't aware of Dominicanas pregnant in their last trimester coming over and getting emergency Medicaid. A very good example of abuse.

As far as the other examples of the wage earning Dominicana not reporting a spouse who may or not be legally married to her, who may or may not be sharing his income with her equitably or at all, who may or may not be adequately supporting any children from the marriage, who may or may not be supporting children from other marriages, or may himself be struggling to come up with the exorbitantly high fees for his license to drive a taxi (a dangerous profession nowadays, I might add).

This may not be relevant to the discussion but I can not resist pointing out that the rich have their tax shelters, overseas bank accounts, "golden parachutes", etc. Many Americans of all colors have had their life savings wiped out by white collar, corporate thieves who have bilked millions fromm hard-working, honest Americans, - a robbery that is being sanctioned by some corrupt, American politicians. That is the real abuse I am more concerned with, not some working poor Dominicana hiding a husband who is earning a living legally.

I agree with you. Because myself and all other middle class Americans pay the price for all of this. I do take offense to someone hiding a husband and income, whether or not his job is sufficient to meet the family's obligaitons. That is the reason that the have the income limits.
Alot of people here think that I am just totally against illegal immigrants in the US when that is far from the truth. I am against illegal immigrants, legal immigrants, and Americans abusing the system that I have to pay for.
I am sorry you have not heard of the 3rd trimester "baby drop". It is becoming more and more common and I can only speak on Dominicanas because those are the majority of the patients that I have had of this type. But I have also had Africans, Egyptians, and Mexicans. But the Dominicanas are the most, we have at least 1 or 2 a week. How we know is that Dominicanas don't mind spreading their business to whoever will listen. And you can pick them out from a crowd because they are all starry eyed, and don't speak a lick of English.
Maybe I'm just in a ****y mood because I pay around $1,000 monthly to catch a plane to go to work so that myself and my kids can live in this beautiful country (DR), in addition to paying my taxes to support charity cases that for some reason or another feel that once they step foot on American soil, WE owe THEM. One had the nerve to ask me who does she speak to about her "free car seat" because she can't afford one. When I asked her will she be using it when she goes back to DR (knowing that in my 14 months of living here, I have not seen ONE car seat), she clearly stated, unashamed, that she would be selling it in NY. "Porque tu sabes," me dice ella "es dificil". I mean, who the f*ck sponsored her?
I should've just handed her $50.
Also, a big problem is the attitude with which these people speak and EXPECT things, I mean it's one thing to be humble, admit you don't have any money, say "OK, my husband is working but we still don't have enough"...but it's all "gimme,gimme,gimme...because this is Nueva Yol and I know you guys have it!"
These girls come in our hospital after being in the country 3 or 4 days, get Epidural anesthesia that no one in their family could pay for in the DR (for free), and instead of being grateful will ask what is taking the Anesthesiologist so long?
Humility, appreciativeness...this is something my kids learned a long time ago, whose teaching these people?
SHALENA
 
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mountainannie

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Bravo!!!!

I agree with you. Because myself and all other middle class Americans pay the price for all of this. I do take offense to someone hiding a husband and income, whether or not his job is sufficient to meet the family's obligaitons. That is the reason that the have the income limits.
Alot of people here think that I am just totally against illegal immigrants in the US when that is far from the truth. I am against illegal immigrants, legal immigrants, and Americans abusing the system that I have to pay for.
I am sorry you have not heard of the 3rd trimester "baby drop". It is becoming more and more common and I can only speak on Dominicanas because those are the majority of the patients that I have had of this type. But I have also had Africans, Egyptians, and Mexicans. But the Dominicanas are the most, we have at least 1 or 2 a week. How we know is that Dominicanas don't mind spreading their business to whoever will listen. And you can pick them out from a crowd because they are all starry eyed, and don't speak a lick of English.
Maybe I'm just in a ****y mood because I pay around $1,000 monthly to catch a plane to go to work so that myself and my kids can live in this beautiful country (DR), in addition to paying my taxes to support charity cases that for some reason or another feel that once they step foot on American soil, WE owe THEM. One had the nerve to ask me who does she speak to about her "free car seat" because she can't afford one. When I asked her will she be using it when she goes back to DR (knowing that in my 14 months of living here, I have not seen ONE car seat), she clearly stated, unashamed, that she would be selling it in NY. "Porque tu sabes," me dice ella "es dificil". I mean, who the f*ck sponsored her?
I should've just handed her $50.
Also, a big problem is the attitude with which these people speak and EXPECT things, I mean it's one thing to be humble, admit you don't have any money, say "OK, my husband is working but we still don't have enough"...but it's all "gimme,gimme,gimme...because this is Nueva Yol and I know you guys have it!"
These girls come in our hospital after being in the country 3 or 4 days, get Epidural anesthesia that no one in their family could pay for in the DR (for free), and instead of being grateful will ask what is taking the Anesthesiologist so long?
Humility, appreciativeness...this is something my kids learned a long time ago, whose teaching these people?
SHALENA

And if you really did a good survey, you would find that there are many of us who are opposed to this increasing support for LARGER families. Many of our GIs qualify for food stamps... because THEY have MORE CHILDREN than they can afford. So whose fault is that? If you cannot support the children, do not have them.

You will find that there was this same wave of anti immigrant feeling when the Irish came over, also Catholic, with their very large families.

This sort of abuse of the system is why is going to become harder and harder for ANY Dominicans to get visas to the States. For years, the DR was on the top of all the Latin American country lists, by reason of family unification.... and for the STRATEGIC location of the DR. Now that we have DRCAFTA all signed and such... and because of an increasing wave of anti immigrant sentiment, the US is in the process of changing its Visa requirements to attract more immigrants of high qualifications and fewer who are going to be dependent of public assistance.

Many of us were raised with the ethic that is was a shame upon the family to ask for public assistance. We would never dream of it. We would work five jobs. We would never lie to get money from the government. THAT is what is part of the Puritan Ethic....which built the USA.

AND there SHOULD be a means test,,,, really... for all these government programs.

Dominicans come from a different culture. Here, the government themselves set the horrible example of being thieves. So clearly, what the big guys do, it is certainly ok for the little guys to do.

But BASTA YA!!!

Any Dominican who feels that they are being abused, subject to racist slurs, and mistreated in the States, is certainly welcome to return home. I certainly tire of immigrants who arrive and then start to complain that they are not getting enough.... or being treated badly... or whatever.

YOU have another country.

It is enough that we have to deal with the legacy of slavery and with our own poor, who have no where else to go.

It is the same sort of Da Me stuff that happens here... when the gringos come... and give out their goodies.... so well, of course, we Americans. we don't work for it, the money just drops from the trees there....

(guess i have some energy behind this one..... )
 

ExtremeR

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I agree with you. Because myself and all other middle class Americans pay the price for all of this. I do take offense to someone hiding a husband and income, whether or not his job is sufficient to meet the family's obligaitons. That is the reason that the have the income limits.
Alot of people here think that I am just totally against illegal immigrants in the US when that is far from the truth. I am against illegal immigrants, legal immigrants, and Americans abusing the system that I have to pay for.
I am sorry you have not heard of the 3rd trimester "baby drop". It is becoming more and more common and I can only speak on Dominicanas because those are the majority of the patients that I have had of this type. But I have also had Africans, Egyptians, and Mexicans. But the Dominicanas are the most, we have at least 1 or 2 a week. How we know is that Dominicanas don't mind spreading their business to whoever will listen. And you can pick them out from a crowd because they are all starry eyed, and don't speak a lick of English.
Maybe I'm just in a ****y mood because I pay around $1,000 monthly to catch a plane to go to work so that myself and my kids can live in this beautiful country (DR), in addition to paying my taxes to support charity cases that for some reason or another feel that once they step foot on American soil, WE owe THEM. One had the nerve to ask me who does she speak to about her "free car seat" because she can't afford one. When I asked her will she be using it when she goes back to DR (knowing that in my 14 months of living here, I have not seen ONE car seat), she clearly stated, unashamed, that she would be selling it in NY. "Porque tu sabes," me dice ella "es dificil". I mean, who the f*ck sponsored her?
I should've just handed her $50.
Also, a big problem is the attitude with which these people speak and EXPECT things, I mean it's one thing to be humble, admit you don't have any money, say "OK, my husband is working but we still don't have enough"...but it's all "gimme,gimme,gimme...because this is Nueva Yol and I know you guys have it!"
These girls come in our hospital after being in the country 3 or 4 days, get Epidural anesthesia that no one in their family could pay for in the DR (for free), and instead of being grateful will ask what is taking the Anesthesiologist so long?
Humility, appreciativeness...this is something my kids learned a long time ago, whose teaching these people?
SHALENA

Whenever I am at NY I will take extra care not to get ill, in order to avoid the probability of ending up being treated by you. Having nurses with your attitude anywhere in the world is a biggest problem than any Dominicanas giving birth on a Medicaid tab.

But the practice of some people (not only Dominicans) to hide their working husbands/wife in order to get welfare is wrong, I have a cousin who was an investigator in the welfare fraud department in NY, and he tells me that his last trick after he interviewed the subject in their house, is to go to the bathroom at the very last minute, when he is walking out of the apartment, he has caught countless of guys hiding in their closets that way.