CROKEL

"You asked if I was okay,"  I say, my voice quivering as I look at the reflection in the damaged mirror on the wall. The face peering back at me is tired, burdened by the weight of a life spent in constant fear, but steadfast, willing to live another day in a world that appears to work against me at every turn. The question stays in my mind, echoing through the empty hallways of my thoughts. How can I be okay when every step outside my house feels like a risk to my life? The streets of Santo Domingo, once brimming with life and opportunity, have become a war for survival. Every corner I turn, every alley I pass, I am haunted by the constant worry of being stopped, questioned, and harassed by the same people I am supposed to protect. The uniformed officers, long a symbol of security, have evolved into predators, circling like vultures, ready to pounce on the slightest sign of weakness. Their hard, unfeeling eyes search for hints of weakness as if they can smell my fear. The...

Dominican Republic eases work permits for Venezuelans amid diplomatic crisis and intensifies crackdown on Haitians. In a dramatic policy shift, the Dominican Republic has relaxed work permit requirements for Venezuelan citizens with expired papers. This measure, announced by President Luis Abinader on Monday, is in direct response to the predicament of Venezuelans who are unable to renew their passports owing to the suspension of consular services by Venezuelan officials. While this decision has received considerable attention, it comes amid rising tension and controversy about the Dominican Republic's response to Haitian migrants. Context & Background. The diplomatic crisis between Venezuela and the international community has escalated, with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ordering the deportation of consular and diplomatic staff from many nations. This has left many Venezuelans trapped, unable to renew their expired passports. In response to this humanitarian crisis, the...