The Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) ruling on eligibility for citizenship has generated comments by lawyers, politicians, civil society leaders, lawmakers and public officials. According to Diario Libre, some believe that the ruling, which establishes that children born in the DR to illegal immigrants are foreigners, is timely. Others have described the decision as “wise” and “in tune with our legal rules”, while others understand that it puts an end to a old discussion. However, some are claiming that the decision is “legally questionable” and that it contravenes the principles established by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
According to Listin Diario, Vice President Rafael Alburquerque considers that the decision sets a precedent in the country because it regularizes the presence of illegal Haitians. Lawyer and Executive Branch Anti-Narcotics advisor Marino Vinicio Castillo said this was a “ruling of principle” and an example of the government’s defense of national sovereignty. He said that the High Court has clearly interpreted the Constitution, which establishes exceptions to the rules of eligibility for citizenship. Executive Branch Legal Consultant Cesar Pina Toribio and PLD Spokesman Reinaldo Pared Perez also supported the ruling. So did the Vice President of Institutionalism and Justice Foundation (FINJUS), Servio Tulio Castanos Guzman. However, the PRSD candidate for National District Senator, Eduardo Jorge Prats, believes that the SCJ made a legally questionable ruling as the international concept of “in transit” does not include the state of illegal residency, and refers only to foreigners who have not formed a family and put down roots in the national territory.