An estimated 250,000 people living in the Dominican Republic are stateless persons. These individuals were born in the Dominican Republic, but as a result of government policy and a recent constitutional ruling, they are neither Dominican citizens nor are they issued birth certificates and identity documents. These individuals are often deprived of access to health care and education, prevented from owning property and denied other basic rights. Additionally, limited access to information and justice mechanisms leaves many unaware of how to obtain citizenship or even legal immigration status.