In my previous blog posts’ I have discussed the wet foot/ dry foot policy, more formally known as the U.S. Cuba Immigration Accord. Under this policy the U.S. can grant 20,000 visas annually to Cubans who hit U.S. land. However, if they are found out sea, the consequences are high. If they are found at sea, the Cubans are taken back to Guantanamo Bay for further questioning. If in this questioning process there is a deep fear of political persecution instilled within them, they are granted asylum but if there is not, it is back to where they came from. Under this accord, U.S. diplomats are supposed to monitor those who are repatriated, however this does not usually occur as a result of the Cuban government stopping diplomats from doing so.
Also, under Cuban law it is unlawful to immigrate illegally, therefore it leaves the option of the Cuban government on how the repatriate will be punished. This leads into the possibilities of torture, harassment, and incarceration. Although it is not a proven fact that this occurs, various factors point towards these occurrences. One, Cuba is a communist nation meaning that the government is completely in power. There is no free speech, people are afraid to speak out against the government as a result of the climate of fear this communist regime has instilled in its people. Secondly, the Government has spy’s living within each neighborhood to monitor any “radical” thoughts, actions or words that are spoken; this then result in the punishment of the people. Therefore I believe that Cubans found at sea should be able to have asylum in the U.S. or another country willing to give them a visa.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
While I think that compassion for others, in this case Cubans, is a great quality, the United States simply cannot take in all of the Cubans found in the ocean trying to escape Cuba. I realize that times are really tough for Cubans, but it can be argued that the US is pushing population limits as it is. I think immigration from other countries is a good thing, as long as it's legal and controlled.
ReplyDeleteGreen is good,I acknowledge what you are saying. However, I do not believe illegal immigration should be "okay" for cubans.But, if under the policy wet foot/dry foot they are found at sea; measures should be taken to provide a safe haven for these people. Whether it be by somehow forcing the Cuban Government to allow us to monitor them closely, or providing another third country for asylum. Do you think that under the possible circumstances they may face in Cuba they should be sent back? What can we do to make these immigrants not suffer?
ReplyDelete