We all have read countless times about how Dominicans leave the island illegally in small boats (Yolas). Their destination of choice is obviously Puerto Rico. Just about 80 miles of sea separates the two islands. Actually when you fly from San Juan to Miami or any other city in that direction, on a clear day it is possible to see the two islands at the same time. So close yet completely different.
After having lived on the North West coast of Puerto Rico for a while now. I have met many people, both Dominicans and Puerto Ricans who have been involved directly or indirectly with the illegal exodus of Dominicans.
What I will write further is something which is hardly addressed. What happens after the landing?
The US coast guard now has five or six new helicopters which are now equipped with thermal equipment which makes it easier to spot a small boat in the dark blue ocean than with naked eyes during the day. This makes an illegal and dangerous journey even more futile as far as the success rate is concerned.
But, some do make it to the Puerto Rican shores and usually at night. They always seem to land on the secluded beaches of Mayaguez, the northern tip of Aguadilla or as far as Camuy and Arecibo. They cannot land in front of Isabela or Quebradillas because of high waves and reefs which abound these areas.
Once on land. It is a mad dash to inland areas. Some have no shoes or barely any clothes. Usually one or two will suffer injuries falling over rocks and reefs. Those immobilized are usually killed by their own by strangling or rocks. Most don?t have money on them either. Most will make for some house which looks abandoned, walking in the bushes alongside the roads. As soon as a car comes they hide in the bushes. Now, the coast guard uses spot lights to light up the roadside foliage and pick up many illegals.
Those who survive the landing. Usually the last thing they have to worry is about Puerto Ricans giving them away. Almost all Puerto Ricans I have talked to, have said that they have helped the Dominicans, given them food and clothing, make calls to their relatives for them etc. Almost all say that if necessary they will help any Dominican who needs help. They are running away from their loco president (Hipolito) they say.
The next day is the most crucial. The border patrol is on the lookout for those who landed during the night and it is difficult to hide. Plus without any money or food they do not have much time lose before reaching their contact in Puerto Rico. Usually some good Samaritan helps them with a phone call, a temporary shelter etc before the contact can come over and pick them up and take them to their final destination.
The contact is usually a relative or family friend. This person will keep the illegal around for menial work in a small restaurant, business, construction or a cattle ranch. There they stay until they realize that the whole thing was a mistake or they are discovered.
The women fare differently. If they are good looking. As if some un-written sequence of events is already planned for them. They will always end up in some rich old guy?s ranch as a maid and sex object or in a brothel in Old San Juan. Some may be lucky to end up a nannys in some well to do house hold. But, they are not immune to sexual overtures of the males who are around. It is common for Puerto Rican men to order a ?dominicanita? from one of the countless coyotes who run the business of ?localizar? the illegal immigrants.
After having lived on the North West coast of Puerto Rico for a while now. I have met many people, both Dominicans and Puerto Ricans who have been involved directly or indirectly with the illegal exodus of Dominicans.
What I will write further is something which is hardly addressed. What happens after the landing?
The US coast guard now has five or six new helicopters which are now equipped with thermal equipment which makes it easier to spot a small boat in the dark blue ocean than with naked eyes during the day. This makes an illegal and dangerous journey even more futile as far as the success rate is concerned.
But, some do make it to the Puerto Rican shores and usually at night. They always seem to land on the secluded beaches of Mayaguez, the northern tip of Aguadilla or as far as Camuy and Arecibo. They cannot land in front of Isabela or Quebradillas because of high waves and reefs which abound these areas.
Once on land. It is a mad dash to inland areas. Some have no shoes or barely any clothes. Usually one or two will suffer injuries falling over rocks and reefs. Those immobilized are usually killed by their own by strangling or rocks. Most don?t have money on them either. Most will make for some house which looks abandoned, walking in the bushes alongside the roads. As soon as a car comes they hide in the bushes. Now, the coast guard uses spot lights to light up the roadside foliage and pick up many illegals.
Those who survive the landing. Usually the last thing they have to worry is about Puerto Ricans giving them away. Almost all Puerto Ricans I have talked to, have said that they have helped the Dominicans, given them food and clothing, make calls to their relatives for them etc. Almost all say that if necessary they will help any Dominican who needs help. They are running away from their loco president (Hipolito) they say.
The next day is the most crucial. The border patrol is on the lookout for those who landed during the night and it is difficult to hide. Plus without any money or food they do not have much time lose before reaching their contact in Puerto Rico. Usually some good Samaritan helps them with a phone call, a temporary shelter etc before the contact can come over and pick them up and take them to their final destination.
The contact is usually a relative or family friend. This person will keep the illegal around for menial work in a small restaurant, business, construction or a cattle ranch. There they stay until they realize that the whole thing was a mistake or they are discovered.
The women fare differently. If they are good looking. As if some un-written sequence of events is already planned for them. They will always end up in some rich old guy?s ranch as a maid and sex object or in a brothel in Old San Juan. Some may be lucky to end up a nannys in some well to do house hold. But, they are not immune to sexual overtures of the males who are around. It is common for Puerto Rican men to order a ?dominicanita? from one of the countless coyotes who run the business of ?localizar? the illegal immigrants.