Do you read the newspapers in the United States? Have you seen television this past week?
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION is a major issue these days, and Dominicans, as well as Mexicans and others from Central America, make up the majority of these folks.
A Dominican General in the armed forces makes less than RD$15000 a mon (legally--not counting his bribe and other rake off money)--Thats like $500 or so.
A school teacher makes a lot less. Minimum wage is around $150 or so.
Therefore, any Dominican that is looking for a visa is looking to get out of here. To Dominicans a one year tourist visa is the same as a one year work permit.
Therefore all nations of the First World demand proof that the visa applicant WILL return to the DR.
Those people that say that it is hard to get out of the DR are 99% illegals or have overextended their visas, betcha!!
HB