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Dominican Republic Army (ERD) officials arrested two Cuban citizens with irregular immigration status on Tuesday, who entered the country from Haiti, according to official reports.
As part of the immigration interdiction operations, a patrol intercepted Cuban nationals Luis Alberto Pedraza Silveira and Lázaro Calvo Silveira in the locality of Mao, Valverde province, while they were attempting to evade military surveillance through an alleyway, the ERD stated in a statement released by the local press.
The detainees informed the authorities that they had been transported in a vehicle that abandoned them before reaching the El Guanal military checkpoint.
Both immigrants were transferred to the inspection office of the province of Santiago Rodríguez for the appropriate legal proceedings.
In recent weeks, several arrests of undocumented Cubans who have entered the Dominican Republic irregularly, violating the immigration regulations of that country, have been reported.
In March, members of the Army thwarted the illegal entry attempt of five Cubans through an area where the border wall with Haiti has not yet been constructed.
The Dominican government has intensified immigration controls along the border with the neighboring country, resulting in the deportation of 276,215 foreigners in irregular situations in 2024.
Despite this, an increasing number of Cubans risk their lives each day to reach that territory by crossing the border from Haiti, where they travel thanks to the ease of obtaining a visa.
The geographic proximity, the migratory facilities, and other factors have contributed to the Dominican Republic becoming a recurring destination for Cubans who leave their country in search of better life opportunities and freedom.
In the last five years, 309 Cubans obtained Dominican citizenship, positioning Cuban nationals at the top of the list of naturalized foreigners in that country, even surpassing Haitians, whose migratory presence had historically been the largest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Immigration to the Dominican Republic
What is the situation of the Cuban immigrants detained in the Dominican Republic?
Cuban immigrants Luis Alberto Pedraza Silveira and Lázaro Calvo Silveira were intercepted by members of the Dominican Republic Army in Mao, Valverde province, after their illegal entry from Haiti, and were transferred to the inspection office in Santiago Rodríguez province for the corresponding legal proceedings.
Why do so many Cubans try to enter the Dominican Republic illegally?
The geographical proximity and migration facilitation have made the Dominican Republic an appealing destination for Cubans, who are seeking better opportunities and freedom, escaping the challenging situation in their home country.
How has the Dominican Republic responded to the increase in irregular immigration?
The Dominican Republic has intensified immigration controls at the border with Haiti, and in 2024 deported more than 276,000 foreigners in irregular situations, in an effort to curb illegal immigration and human trafficking.
How many Cubans have been naturalized in the Dominican Republic in recent years?
In the past five years, 309 Cubans have obtained Dominican citizenship, leading the list of naturalized foreigners in the country, even surpassing Haitians.
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