I stumbled upon an article - FoxNews.com - Haiti Should Merge With the Dominican Republic that mentions why the Author (Daniel Rodriguez) feels that doing so would be for the best interest of Haiti and subsequently for the Dominican Republic.
Needless to say, Haiti definitely needs some assistance as a Country, and this was the case LONG before the January Earthquake, it is on the brink of being a failed state (many would say it already is). Historically, it would seem virtually impossible to mesh these two different Worlds together as there is a apparent contention between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Personally, I think it would be a very radical approach that would be frowned upon by many. But, on the other hand I think there at least could be some benefits as well. But one thing is certain, there are already 2 Millions Haitians (roughly) in the Dominican Republic. And as long as there is no consistent effort on the part of the Haitian and Dominican government, Haitians will continue to come in search of better living conditions. Just as Mexicans continue to come to the U.S. for better opportunities. It will not stop, period. Merging the 2 countries could (could....possibly) alleviate which in the future will inevitably become a mass but gradual exodus from Haiti. And logically speaking, Haitians are not coming to set up businesses (at least not yet) they are coming to SURVIVE. So as a result it could cause more congestion, a further weight on the the already poor infrastructure and possibly more conflict and contention etc. If merging is simply out of the question, then I think there should be more of a consistent effort to help by the American, Haitian and Dominican governments. Immigration laws and services should be designed to help and not hinder Haitians who are simply trying to survive. Is it another Government's responsibility to help another who has perhaps mismanaged itself?? No and Yes. No, because each Nation has its own sovereignty and decide how they will govern themselves. But, Yes because we are all human beings sharing the same planet, and it is simply the right thing to do.
Needless to say, Haiti definitely needs some assistance as a Country, and this was the case LONG before the January Earthquake, it is on the brink of being a failed state (many would say it already is). Historically, it would seem virtually impossible to mesh these two different Worlds together as there is a apparent contention between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Personally, I think it would be a very radical approach that would be frowned upon by many. But, on the other hand I think there at least could be some benefits as well. But one thing is certain, there are already 2 Millions Haitians (roughly) in the Dominican Republic. And as long as there is no consistent effort on the part of the Haitian and Dominican government, Haitians will continue to come in search of better living conditions. Just as Mexicans continue to come to the U.S. for better opportunities. It will not stop, period. Merging the 2 countries could (could....possibly) alleviate which in the future will inevitably become a mass but gradual exodus from Haiti. And logically speaking, Haitians are not coming to set up businesses (at least not yet) they are coming to SURVIVE. So as a result it could cause more congestion, a further weight on the the already poor infrastructure and possibly more conflict and contention etc. If merging is simply out of the question, then I think there should be more of a consistent effort to help by the American, Haitian and Dominican governments. Immigration laws and services should be designed to help and not hinder Haitians who are simply trying to survive. Is it another Government's responsibility to help another who has perhaps mismanaged itself?? No and Yes. No, because each Nation has its own sovereignty and decide how they will govern themselves. But, Yes because we are all human beings sharing the same planet, and it is simply the right thing to do.