Santo Domingo.- The economic policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, including proposed high tariffs on nations like China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU, raised concerns for Latin America, particularly the Dominican Republic. Economist Nelson Suárez highlighted the potential risks, noting that approximately 2.4 million Dominicans—22% of the population—reside in the U.S., with their remittances contributing 8% of the country’s GDP, rivaling the economic impact of tourism.
Suárez warned that stricter immigration policies and mass deportations could severely affect undocumented Dominicans in the U.S., many of whom overstay tourist visas. He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the number of Dominicans at risk, urging the government to prioritize this issue and collect accurate data.
Additionally, Suárez advised Dominican authorities to maintain neutrality in international relations, avoiding alignment with specific ideological positions until the full impact of U.S. policies becomes clear. He stressed that potential disruptions to remittances and migration could jeopardize the country’s economic stability.