Introduction COVID-19 has revealed the pre-existing inequalities in every society. The latest Human Development Report 2020 “The Next Frontier: Human Development and the Anthropocene” (UNDP 2021a) highlights that the Dominican Republic (DR) has lost 21 points on the Human Development Index due to growing inequalities. The prevailing levels of social inequality in the country increase the vulnerability of certain groups of people, not only due to income inequalities, but also due to differentiated access to basic services, health and social protection. Among these groups in vulnerable situations are Haitian migrants and their descendants, especially those whose migration status is irregular or who lack documentation proving their Dominican nationality. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC 2016), there are three structural axes of social inequality in Latin America: ethnic and racial inequalities as they intersect with gender inequalities; the accumulation of inequalities throughout the life cycle; and territorial inequalities. In the Dominican context, where structural inequality is observed throughout its population, the condition of both the Haitian population and their stateless descendants contributes to a higher level of disadvantage. In the DR, an important dimension of social inequality continues to be access to identity documentation for migrants and their descendants born in the country. Identification facilitates access to health and social protection programs, which, in turn, are services that save lives in critical times like the current one. How can the Dominican Republic address the historical problems of social exclusion to build back better? This research brief summarizes the findings of a study on the impacts of COVID-19 on the Haitian population and their descendants who live in the southern border region of the Dominican Republic. The purpose is to advocate for the resumption of dialogue on the urgent matter of migrant regularization and access to civil registration for Dominicans of Haitian descent who reside in the most marginalized areas of the country. This is understood not only as a human rights issue, but also as a pragmatic concern in recognition of the interdependence of our collective health and well-being. It should be noted that on April 1, 2021, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued its first recommendations to the States on the participation of military forces in migration procedures at the borders. It urged the adoption of policies “that are oriented toward respecting and guaranteeing the human rights of migrants, refugees, and those in need of protection,” which respect family unity and the principle of non-refoulement. It highlighted a series of measures ordered by governments that must cease immediately because they constitute a threat to migrants and refugees. These recommendations are timely in light of the emerging challenges throughout Latin America and the Caribbean regarding borders in times of pandemic. Given the persistent health crisis, the following is worth noting: Research Brief: COVID-19 Impacts on Haitian Migrants and their Descendants on the Southern Border of the D.R. 11