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Refugees

Clinton Administration Announces Limited Talks with Cuba on Immigration Matters

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Clinton administration has announced that it will hold limited talks with Cuba on immigration matters, in an effort to address the growing refugee crisis. The talks, scheduled to take place in New York on Wednesday or Thursday, will focus on finding ways to promote legal and orderly migration from Cuba. The administration hopes that by engaging in talks with Cuba, it can persuade the Cuban government to stop the flow of refugees and find alternative means for those who wish to emigrate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration has requested limited talks with Cuba on immigration matters, which will focus on promoting legal and orderly migration.
  • The talks are scheduled to take place in New York on Wednesday or Thursday.
  • The administration's goal is to persuade the Cuban government to stop the flow of refugees and find alternative means for those who wish to emigrate.
  • The talks will also address Washington's plans to expand opportunities for Cubans to emigrate legally by applying in Havana.
  • 225 Cubans being held at the Guantanamo Bay naval base have asked to be sent back to Cuba, indicating that the administration's message is getting through to the Cubans.

Statistics:

  • The refugee crisis began early this month and has resulted in thousands of Cubans fleeing to the United States.
  • The Coast Guard reported that the exodus of Cubans dropped off again yesterday due to rough seas and bad weather.
  • The administration has been seeking to persuade Cuba to stop the flow of refugees, which has been carried out in flimsy rafts and boats.
  • The talks will be the first sign of conciliation on either side, although administration officials have insisted that they will stick to President Clinton's position that immigration will be the only topic on the table.

Sources:

  • "Clinton Announces Deal to Talk to Cuba on Refugees" - New York Times
  • "Coast Guard Reports Drop in Men and Women on Rafts" - New York Times
  • "Caption: Refugee Status: Cubans being detained at the Guantanamo Bay naval base hand notes with their names on it to Navy staff" - New York Times

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