Dr. Ramona Hernandez, director of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute at City College of New York, said New Jersey Dominicans are getting more politically involved.

WSJ: Living in New Jersey, Elected to Serve Far Away

"They're not small businesses anymore, " said Ramona Hernandez, a professor at the City College of New York who studies Dominican entrepreneurship.

WSJ: Immigrants Keep Small-Business Faith

Following his graduation from Providence College, Dodd joined the Peace Corps and became fluent in Spanish during his posting in the Dominican Republic.

FORBES: Christopher Dodd