Foreigners and politics

[Fabio J. Guzman]

The intent, in my opinion, is to prevent foreigners from participating in any way in political activities, including attending political functions except as an invited observer, etc.

[Chirimoya]

So would that exclude foreign campaign strategy consultants?

[Lambada]

Originally Posted by Fabio J. Guzman

The intent, in my opinion, is to prevent foreigners from participating in any way in political activities, including attending political functions except as an invited observer, etc.

In which case, that is a huge change. Does this apply to local as well as national politics, Dr. Guzman? Where I live in Puerto Plata, there are a number of Italian long term residents heavily involved in historical restoration committees for example. And what of the foreign business owners in Cabarete who play active roles in local political organisations? Some of these organisations are chaired by foreigners.

[Matilda]

Originally Posted by Fabio J. Guzman

The intent, in my opinion, is to prevent foreigners from participating in any way in political activities, including attending political functions except as an invited observer, etc.

So what happens if you are married to a dominican politician?? You can attend functions, but not ever talk politics or strategy, you can sit with him or not, and what if you go abroad with him representing the country, you cannot speak about the country?? Am I gong to have to become a dumb blonde??? Methinks that might be impossible!!!

And I can't wear a badge with his name, or hold his flag, or put a party/his sticker on my car????

[Chirimoya]

I don't know how high Mr M is setting his sights, but there have even been a couple of non-Dominican first ladies. For all I know they may have taken on DR nationality - that is always an option to consider.

[windeguy]

Now that the DR has removed the gender bias on foreigners married to Dominicans to make it much easier to become a citizen for the spouse, I was going to post a new thread on this topic. Perhaps it mixes in with this thread.

First a question: How easy is it for a spouse to become a DR citizen. What are the costs and paperwork involved?

Here are Positives and Negatives I see in becoming DR citizen (but not forsaking your other citizenship in the process).

Positives:
-You can vote in elections
-You can hold (some) elected offices
-You don't have to renew residency
-You can take part in political activity (but maybe not if you are a dual citizen?)

Negatives:
-You cannot request being extradited back to your home country if you commit a crime in the DR.
-Some countries may not allow dual citizenship

Any corrections or additions?

[Conchman]

As someone posted already, it sounds like the law was kept vague so that it can be enforced at will, in the event a foreigner makes trouble.

[Matilda]

Originally Posted by windeguy

Now that the DR has removed the gender bias on foreigners married to Dominicans to make it much easier to become a citizen for the spouse, I was going to post a new thread on this topic. Perhaps it mixes in with this thread.

First a question: How easy is it for a spouse to become a DR citizen. What are the costs and paperwork involved?

Here are Positives and Negatives I see in becoming DR citizen (but not forsaking your other citizenship in the process).

Positives:
-You can vote in elections
-You can hold (some) elected offices
-You don't have to renew residency
-You can take part in political activity (but maybe not if you are a dual citizen?)

Negatives:
-You cannot request being extradited back to your home country if you commit a crime in the DR.
-Some countries may not allow dual citizenship

Any corrections or additions?

Another positive:

You get a dominican passport - yippeeee

A big negative:

Even if you hold dual citizenship the embassy of your original citizenship will not assist you whilst you are in this country as your DR citizenship will take priority.

[travel1000]

it is only on paper. if you are in jail, consular assistant only can do is calling a lawyer for you and you have to pay yourself. by the way, american express also can do that.

Originally Posted by Matilda

Another positive:

You get a dominican passport - yippeeee

A big negative:

Even if you hold dual citizenship the embassy of your original citizenship will not assist you whilst you are in this country as your DR citizenship will take priority.

[Gabriela]

A big negative:

Even if you hold dual citizenship the embassy of your original citizenship will not assist you whilst you are in this country as your DR citizenship will take priority.[/quote]

Dual citizenship means trading 1st world legal rights and privileges for 3rd world. If someone commits a crime against you or your family, you will have to hire a private investigator (of course the DR police are free but....). I would not recommend this unless you have money to burn.