U.S. Embassy urges undocumented Dominicans to voluntarily return home

The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has issued a warning to citizens residing illegally in the United States, encouraging them to voluntarily return to their country to avoid deportation proceedings. This advisory aligns with the increasingly strict immigration measures being enforced under President Donald Trump’s policies.

In a statement shared on social media, the embassy advised those with the means to arrange their departure to leave promptly. For those unable to do so, it recommended using the CBP One app, which offers an organized, voluntary process for undocumented individuals to notify U.S. authorities of their intent to depart.

Trump’s administration, known for its hardline stance on immigration, implemented several measures, including a border wall and stricter deportation policies. Between 2017 and 2021, about 1.19 million deportations occurred—lower than the nearly 3 million deportations during Barack Obama’s presidency. Despite this, many Dominicans, particularly those who entered via the irregular “Vuelta por México” route, have been affected by the crackdown.

In response, the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has advised its citizens not to migrate illegally, stressing the risks of detention, legal consequences, and deportation. The ministry urges individuals to pursue legal pathways for travel to ensure their safety and avoid complications.