Immigration chief keeps his job, signals stern policy on undocumented Haitians

Santo Domingo.- President Danilo Medina’s confirmation by decree of José R. Taveras as Immigration director Tuesday signals the Government’s continuing stern policy of repatriating undocumented Haitians.

Taveras, of the conservative pro-government coalition FNP party is known for a tough-nosed approach to stem the flow of undocumented Haitians across the border, despite shortcomings in the agency’s resources.

He has also confronted the construction and agro sectors over violations to the foreign personnel quota, and has engaged the tourism sector’s efforts to regulate their foreign employees.

Medina also named Vice president Margarita Cedeño coordinator of the Social Policies Cabinet, and Elias Wessin Chavez will be the new administrator of the National Assets Agency (BN); José Francisco Peña Taveras to head the National Lottery, and Ramon Rivas in the Dominican Port Authority.