The Dominican Ambassador in Washington, D.C., Anibal de Castro has expressed his appreciation to US Representative Joseph Kennedy III for drawing attention “to a key challenge we are proactively addressing n implementing a clear immigration policy.” In the article, Kennedy comments that the government can work around the Constitutional Court Ruling that calls for the government to implement new immigration policies. “There have been indications from the government that they want the time and ability to implement the decision as a sovereign nation,” he told the Bay State Banner in the interview.
Dominican ambassador De Castro comments: “The Government’s new immigration policy will enable the Dominican Republic to meet its development challenges while continuing to work towards a prosperous, secure future for all of Hispaniola.”
“We are working to implement a comprehensive immigration policy in an inclusive and transparent manner, one that respects both human rights and international agreements. The Dominican Republic is not the only country facing important challenges in migratory legislation – we appreciate the support of the international community, and our counterparts in Haiti, as we work to further the rights for all and enhance our country’s safety and prosperity,” writes De Castro in response to Kennedy.
“The ruling by the Dominican Republic’s Constitutional Court provides the opportunity for thousands of immigrants and their children to normalize immigration status in a way that protects their fundamental rights. This policy will also enhance our ability to combat human trafficking and improve border security,” continues the ambassador.
De Castro writes: “The Dominican Government is proactively working to help facilitate the naturalization process and improve the condition for undocumented foreigners overall. For example, the Government will issue work and student visas, and a new Naturalization Law will solve the status of children of undocumented immigrants.”
De Castro highlights that the Government will continue its commitment to respecting basic human rights and guaranteeing free public services to all persons within the Dominican Republic. He makes the point that the Dominican government spends 18% of its healthcare budget on providing services for the immigrant population, access to public schools for approximately 50,000 immigrant children, and protects workers of any nationality.
http://baystatebanner.com/news/2014/jan/16/pressure-yielding-results-haitian-immigrants-domin/