I recently read 2 mysteries by the writer  A.J. Sidransky who lives in Washington Heights, NYC.  The first book "Forgiving Maximo Rothman"  goes into the story of refugees in the DR and is a central theme of this mystery. You might want to contact Mr. Sidransky through his website https://ajsidransky.com/ as he has done quite a bit of research and may know the families of refugees.

If any one is interesting the in subject I recommend the book for a different view of New York City.

Jessica Schein