Dominican senator questions rise in Haitian students in public schools

Senator Omar Fernández of the National District has voiced alarm over what he describes as a surge in Haitian students enrolled in the Dominican Republic's public school system, attributing this trend to a lack of planning. Fernández presented figures indicating a dramatic shift in student demographics over 17 years, from approximately one Haitian student for every 100 Dominicans to one for every 13.

According to his data, the enrollment of Haitian students escalated from just over 25,000 in 2007 to more than 205,000 in 2025, marking a 716% increase. "We are talking about a 716% increase. If it were economic growth, it would be extraordinary, but we are talking about migration, a significant part of it irregular, and the pressure that this reality ends up exerting on public services," Fernández stated in a press release.

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We are talking about a 716% increase. If it were economic growth, it would be extraordinary, but we are talking about migration, a significant part of it irregular, and the pressure that this reality ends up exerting on public services.

While acknowledging the constitutional right to education, the senator stressed the state's obligation to bolster immigration control. "Our Constitution recognizes the right to education. That is not in dispute. But precisely because we have obligations to fulfill within our territory, the state also has the obligation to control who enters, how they enter, and under what conditions they remain in the Dominican Republic," he affirmed.

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Our Constitution recognizes the right to education. That is not in dispute. But precisely because we have obligations to fulfill within our territory, the state also has the obligation to control who enters, how they enter, and under what conditions they remain in the Dominican Republic.

Fernández advocated for strengthening and "shielding" the border, arguing that disorganized immigration policies ultimately impact public services such as hospitals, citizen security, public finances, and schools. He pointed to his research, which suggests that while over 180,000 Haitian students were incorporated into schools, approximately 141,500 Dominican students left the classroom. "These are numbers that the country has an obligation to look at seriously," he emphasized.

The senator also highlighted legislative efforts, including initiatives in Congress to increase penalties and disqualify public officials convicted of human trafficking offenses. He noted that a law was approved, with support from legislators across parties, to impose up to 20 years in prison and 20 years of disqualification for public office on officials involved in the illicit trafficking of migrants. Fernández's original proposal had sought a lifetime disqualification.

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These are numbers that the country has an obligation to look at seriously.