Dominican Republic urged to disclose or cancel US deportee memorandum

The non‑partisan civic movement Participación Ciudadana has asked the Dominican government to publish the full text of the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States on receiving foreign nationals deported from the U.S., or to nullify the agreement. The deal, part of the “Escudo de las Américas” cooperation initiative, would allow the Dominican Republic to host a limited number of third‑country nationals – excluding Haitians – for temporary and exceptional entry as a step toward their return to their home countries.

Participación Ciudadana warns that, although the memorandum is described as a pre‑contract and initially non‑binding, its obligations would become enforceable once the first group of deportees arrives, creating rights and duties the country could not evade. The organization raised concerns about legal challenges, background checks, detention procedures, and the fate of individuals unable to return due to migration restrictions or safety threats. It also cited experiences of Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador with similar arrangements as reasons for caution.

The group calls for full transparency to avoid speculation and urges the government to consider canceling the memorandum if it cannot guarantee the protection of national interests and migrant rights.