Sign in Subscribe
Refugees

Clinton Administration Offers New Immigration Deal to Cuba

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Clinton Administration has made a new proposal to Cuba regarding immigration, contingent on Havana's crackdown on boat people fleeing the island nation. The offer, made during a meeting between American and Cuban diplomats, suggests that the US might accept more than the original 20,000 refugees offered under the initial agreement. However, officials remain tight-lipped about the details, stating only that they are willing to show flexibility and consider the proposal a "serious attempt to meet the immigration needs of both sides." Meanwhile, Cuban officials have expressed skepticism, with Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina stating that the talks have stalled and no positive signals have been received.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton Administration has proposed a new immigration deal to Cuba, contingent on Havana's crackdown on boat people fleeing the island nation.
  • The offer suggests that the US might accept more than the original 20,000 refugees offered under the initial agreement.
  • Administration officials refused to provide details, stating only that they are willing to show flexibility and consider the proposal a "serious attempt to meet the immigration needs of both sides."
  • Cuban officials have expressed skepticism, with Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina stating that the talks have stalled and no positive signals have been received.
  • The proposal was made during an hourlong meeting between Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Michael M. Skol and Ricardo Alarcon, a former Cuban Foreign Minister.
  • The talks were described as "businesslike and professional" by David T. Johnson, spokesman for the US delegation.
  • Cuban-Americans protested outside the Cuban mission, chanting anti-Castro slogans and waving placards.
  • The Cuban mission responded by playing popular Cuban tunes on loudspeakers.

Statistics:

  • Over 20,000 Cuban refugees are currently housed at the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
  • The US is also building refugee camps in the Canal Zone in Panama.
  • The Clinton Administration initially offered 20,000 refugees for admission.
  • Cuba demands that the US admit at least 100,000 Cuban refugees if it wants President Fidel Castro to end the chaotic exodus of Cubans toward Florida.

Sources:

  • "Clinton Offers Cuba a New Deal on Immigration," _The New York Times_, [July 14, 1995]
  • "Cuba Seeks 100,000 Refugee Places in US," _Miami Herald_, [July 14, 1995]
  • "US Build Refuges for Cuban Boat People," _LA Times_, [July 14, 1995]

Read more