Deportations of Dominicans to their home country are sharply increasing under the Biden management, surpassing the numbers seen during Donald TrumpS first term in office. Through May of this year, 1,983 Dominicans have been deported, a rate significantly exceeding the 8,081 total repatriations during Trump’s entire first presidential mandate (2017-2021). This surge raises concerns among immigration advocates about shifting enforcement priorities and the potential impact on families and communities.
The increase comes as the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address border security and manage migration flows. While campaigning on a more humane immigration policy,the administration has continued to utilize deportation measures,especially for individuals with criminal records. Data reveals a breakdown of deportations based on offense: 31 for homicide, 21 by fraud, 16 for false documents, eight for money laundering, six for kidnapping, seven for trafficking in persons, five for smuggling, and four for violation of other laws. Only nine Dominicans have voluntarily returned to the country since May.
During his first term, Trump promised increased deportations of undocumented individuals, but ultimately deported fewer Dominicans than in any 15-year period prior, totaling 8,081 repatriations. In 2017, his administration deported 2,031 Dominicans, a number that decreased to 1,869 in 2018. Deportations saw a rebound in 2019 with 2,482, before falling to 1,699 in 2020.
Trump’s administration prioritized stricter immigration policies, focusing on reducing irregular immigration and reinforcing border security.The implementation of the “Zero Tolerance” policy led to increased arrests and longer detention periods for those awaiting deportation. The current acceleration in deportations signals a potential shift in enforcement strategies, even as the Biden administration publicly maintains its commitment to comprehensive immigration reform.
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She has a degree in Social Communication, graduated from the Santo Domingo Catholic University.
