U.S. immigration enforcement and warnings in Dominican Rep

The United States is increasing its messaging and enforcement efforts regarding immigration from the Dominican Republic.

Initially, the U.S. Embassy released a documentary titled ‘El último viaje’ (The Last Journey) featuring Dominican artist Carlos Pérez. The film highlights the physical dangers of illegal migration, recounting Pérez’s failed attempts to enter the U.S., including a harrowing experience hiding in a ship's cistern. Customs and Border Protection attaché Abdías Ortiz used the film to warn that the border is closed and that illegal entry attempts will result in arrest and deportation.

Subsequently, U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos issued warnings against immigration fraud, specifically targeting ‘birth tourism’—the practice of traveling on visitor visas to secure U.S. citizenship for children. Ambassador Campos stated that ‘U.S. citizenship is a privilege and cannot become a business,’ warning that intermediaries and medical providers involved in such schemes could face legal consequences. These warnings coincide with the implementation of new immigration measures under the administration of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In recent statements, Ambassador Campos emphasized that such fraudulent actions compromise the integrity of the immigration system. She urged Dominican citizens to remain honest during visa application processes and to use visas strictly for their intended purposes to avoid jeopardizing their futures.