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Leonel Fernández Proposes Border Reforms and Modernized Binational Markets
Former Dominican President Leonel Fernández called for stronger border controls, the modernization of binational markets and stricter enforcement of immigration laws, arguing that the country must maintain control over its frontier while improving the organization of cross-border commerce.
Leonel Fernández, president of the opposition People’s Force (Fuerza del Pueblo), has proposed modernizing border controls and reorganizing the Dominican Republic’s binational markets, saying the country should strengthen state oversight of the frontier while maintaining a firm stance against illegal immigration.
During a meeting with business leaders, producers and party representatives in Santiago Rodríguez Province, as part of his tour of the northwestern region, Fernández argued that the Dominican Republic must continue enforcing its immigration laws and prevent unauthorized entry into the country.
Calls for Stronger Border Management
Fernández said the Dominican Republic has a sovereign right to deport foreign nationals who remain in the country illegally, stressing that effective migration enforcement is essential to preserving state control over the border.
He also maintained that immigration policy should remain firm while ensuring that border management supports legal trade and national security.
Proposal to Reorganize Binational Markets
The former president said he recently visited the border city of Dajabón to observe operations at the binational market, where he described conditions as disorganized and in need of comprehensive intervention. He argued that improvements should include better infrastructure, urban planning and sanitation standards.
According to Fernández, a future administration led by his party would develop an urban planning strategy for the area aimed at creating a more organized environment for commercial activity while improving public facilities and market operations.
During his remarks, Fernández said the Dominican Republic should not allow what he described as the “Haitianization” of commercial activity on the Dominican side of the border, arguing that stronger organization and government oversight are necessary. The statement reflects his political position on border management and migration policy.
Border Development and Economic Activity
Fernández said audiovisual documentation gathered during his visit to Dajabón would be used by architects and urban planning specialists to develop proposals for transforming the border markets if his party returns to government.
He argued that a modern, secure and well-organized border would encourage formal trade, support Dominican producers and strengthen the government’s ability to enforce immigration laws while facilitating legitimate commercial exchanges.
The comments were delivered during the final stop of Fernández’s tour through the four provinces of the Línea Noroeste region—Montecristi, Dajabón, Santiago Rodríguez and Valverde—where he met with entrepreneurs, merchants, agricultural producers and party members as part of consultations for his political platform and organizational activities.
