The Dominican government announced this Tuesday the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the United States that establishes a temporary mechanism for the controlled entry of migrants from third countries into national territory. This agreement, of non-binding nature, is inscribed within the regional initiative called Shield of the Americas, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Relations.
The measure represents a bilateral collaboration focused on strengthening the orderly management of migratory flows in the region. The mechanism will only apply to people who meet specific evaluation and security criteria, guaranteeing that the process responds to rigorous standards of control.
Criteria and exclusions in the agreement on migrants from third countries
The memorandum establishes that the entry of migrants from third countries will be limited and exceptional, subject to case-by-case evaluations. People who enter under this framework must be free of criminal records and be in transit status. In an explicit manner, the agreement excludes Haitian citizens and unaccompanied minors, reflecting the country’s migration control priorities.
These exclusions respond to the regional demographic reality and the specific challenges faced by the Dominican Republic in the field of migration. The authorities made it clear that the intention is to maintain orderly procedures without altering the existing migration policy or the existing border controls.
US support and orderly return of migrants
Washington will assume financial and operational responsibility for the process. The US government will provide the necessary resources to ensure adequate conditions during the temporary stay of these people in Dominican territory, as well as to facilitate their orderly return to their countries of origin once the authorized period concludes.
This bilateral support structure reduces the fiscal burden on the Dominican Republic while allowing effective collaboration in regional security. The agreement will be executed in accordance with national law and international commitments subscribed by the country.
Amplification of cooperation in security and narcotics
Beyond the migratory issue, both governments reaffirmed their cooperation in regional security matters. Joint efforts seek to combat narcotics trafficking, transnational organized crime, and terrorism. The Dominican Republic temporarily authorized access, parking, and overflight of US aircraft in previously used facilities for joint operations against drug trafficking.
The bilateral collaboration also contemplates the modernization of security systems. Both nations will strengthen airport and border security through the implementation of new technologies and biometric systems at the country’s main entry points.
As part of its global antiterrorist commitment, the Dominican government designated by decree the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, aligning with international security classifications.
The agreement demonstrates the continuity of cooperation between the Dominican Republic and the United States in favor of regional stability and shared security, establishing working frameworks that balance migration control with humanitarian responsibility and operational effectiveness against transnational threats.
