What will happen if the problem remains unsolved?

For a long time, the U.S. has been trying to deal with Cuban immigration and the problems with its “wet foot/ dry policy.” There are various things that can occur as a result of not dealing with these issues. If the immigration problem continues, people will begin to fight for Haitian immigrants to fall under this policy. They will make the argument that Haiti’s economic and level of poverty is worse off than that of Cuba’s. Also, if the problem remains unsolved the Obama administration will receive a lot of criticism because he gave his word to “set a new tone with Havana”. However, he has already begun migration talks with the country, this will hopefully ease immigration tensions with Cuba. Nonetheless, there is the possibility that Cuban diplomats will fail to honor regulations set by the accord. These issues include: the granting of U.S. visas to travel to the U.S., and for Cubans found at sea that are repatriated to be treated justly.

If these issues are not settled, large amounts of Cubans will continue to risk their lives in search for an opportunity in the U.S. This would not only upset the people who are against the ”wet foot/dry foot policy” but there is a high chance that they will be found at sea. This is a result of the U.S. coast guard increasing patrol at sea and implementing the use of choppers and speedboats to scope out illegal activity. This would create a large amount of repatriates therefore possibly subjecting them to harassment and torture by the Cuban government. They may also look for the aid of smugglers who are now beginning to bring in Cubans through the U.S.-Mexican borders. In order for this not to occur Cuban and American diplomats must reach a new consensus towards Cubans being allowed to enter the U.S. Not only would this eliminate many problems within the “wet foot/dry foot policy” but, it would allow for Cubans to legally travel to the U.S. However, this may create a larger problem; there is a possibility that if Cubans are granted visas, after their visa expires they will choose to stay in the U.S. illegally.