Thousands of Dominicans who have emigrated to Panama may need to leave or be deported now that the country’s new President Juan Carlos Varela has ended the foreigner legalization program, known as “Crisol de Razas” or “melting pot.” The program allowed foreigners to pay US$1,272 for a stay permit and US$500 for a work permit valid for two years, which could later be extended for a similar fee for another 10 years. However, the new President recently announced the end of the program. Dominican Ambassador Cesar Medina says that diplomatic efforts are being made, and that he is hoping that a meeting between Dominican President Medina and his Panamanian counterpart during one of the frequent Central America and Dominican Republic summits will settle the issue.