Never heard of a request to dock in the Dominican Republic, but they did attempt to dock in Cuba, who was pressured by the Roosevelt administration to deny the attempt. A couple dozen who had valid visas were disembarked in Havana. But it was too close to the US to have a wave of Jews establishing a bridgehead.
The Dominican Republic was a less than perfect but functional safety valve for many. Most who landed there eventually found their way into the US or Cuba. They did leave an interesting legacy in the Dominican Republic. Whatever the reason that the Dominican dictator at the time allowed the refugees access, it was crucial for some but of course too few were able to benefit. Still many today trace their lineage and existence to this historical fact. Pity the “St. Louis” did not try to dock there. However it was a German ship and the German government by that time probably ordered the owners to return the ship to Europe without any further attempts to lad its passengers.
“Never heard of a request to dock in the Dominican Republic, but they did attempt to dock in Cuba, who was pressured by the Roosevelt administration to deny the attempt. A couple dozen who had valid visas were disembarked in Havana. But it was too close to the US to have a wave of Jews establishing a bridgehead.”
Canada would’t let them in, either. It was an immigration law thingy.