Migratory fraud has become a serious problem within U.S. family-based immigration. Citizens of the United States petition relatives in foreign countries, so they can gain residence in the States. This fraud has been found more often in some countries than others, and the Dominican Republic is one of the countries where it has been prominent. Starting in 2002, the U.S. Government has begun requesting DNA testing on families petitioning relatives in the D.R.
I am writing this entry from Santo Domingo, and I can attest to the beauty of The Dominican Republic. It is an understatement to say the weather is pleasent. Last Friday, I visited the U.S. Consulate where families go to file petitions and report for interviews regarding their visas. As I looked on, I saw Dominican citizens exiting the Consulate looking down at a piece of paper with a confused look on their faces. These families had been told they needed DNA testing to prove they were related to their relatives in the U.S. Here’s a bit on how that works.
There are 42 laboratories that are authorized by the AABB to complete the required testing. Citizens receive a list of AABB accredited laboratories and are told they can choose any one they want. At the top of the list is a laboratory in Santo Domingo, Patria Rivas. One would think that this is the best option for Dominican residents, having an accredited lab in their back yard. It might not be the case.
Laboratories are required to schedule DNA collections for the family member in the D.R. as well as the family member in the United States. Obviously, U.S. citizens live throughout the country, so the DNA lab needs to have a wide network of collection facilities to schedule testing. Patria Rivas has only one location in the U.S.
Citizens of the D.R. – You have options. Go through the list and ask your friends and family if they have used any of the laboratories. Many have collection facilities throughout the U.S. and can make the process very convenient for everyone involved. Choose an immigration DNA testing lab that makes the process easy. Don’t settle with a laboratory that doesn’t care about your needs simply because they are located in your home town. And a beautiful home town it is!
