Recent developments in the eastern region of the island of Hispaniola require you to be informed about the current issue between Dominicans and Haitians before your departure. Since October 2013, the Supreme Court of the Dominican Republic has ruled that anyone born after 1929 will be denied Dominican nationality as long as they do not have at least one parent of Dominican blood due to a constitutional clause declaring that all others are in the country illegally. That said, Dominican relations with Haiti, a neighboring country responsible for supplying the majority of immigrants to the Dominican Republic, have become strained. To date, international organizations such as UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) have estimated that over 200,000 Dominicans of Haitian origin will be affected by the ruling. Subsequent conflicts in the country emerged when both Dominican crowds and Haitian protesters took to the streets addressing the issue with locals. While working with Project HOPE in local schools and infirmaries, it is important to understand the dynamics of Dominican society and relations between neighboring countries before your departure as they may affect your daily activities. This short issue will cover the general history of the two countries and their opposing development over the years. Next, cultural norms and what to expect upon arrival in the country will be explained. Finally, the last section will provide a detailed explanation of current immigration issues and policies in the Dominican Republic that have affected its population and social climate. BACKGROUND Since colonial times, both the Dominican Republic and Haiti have been in con.... .. middle of paper ...... I have also traveled to Haiti and do not identify with the language or culture. Additionally, obtaining Haitian citizenship proves difficult even for those who may need to emigrate, as the law requires proof of Haitian ancestry. For many Dominicans this is almost impossible due to lack of resources. In conclusion, Haitian relations with the Dominican Republic have been tense for years and can be attributed to two major events: the Haitian occupation of the island Hispaniola and the Parsley Rebellion of 1937. Both events play a significant role in establishing the Dominican resentment against Haitians. And when the laws finally reached the level of society, the nature of their relationship worsened. It is therefore crucial to understand these ideas before your trip to Santo Domingo, as your group will interact with both Dominicans of Spanish and Haitian descent.