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Refugees

The Paradox of US-Cuba Policy: Welcoming the Fleeing, Rejecting the Seeking

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The relationship between the United States and Cuba is marked by a seeming paradox. As economic conditions on the island deteriorate, a growing number of Cubans are fleeing to the US, predominantly through illegal means. The US response is to grant these individuals resident status and resettlement assistance, while simultaneously rejecting the visa applications of those who wish to immigrate legally. This policy, initiated to punish Cuba's communist government, has instead served to coddle the very refugees it intended to deter. Furthermore, the US has unlimited quotas for Cuban refugees, making it easier for those fleeing to gain entry. Meanwhile, the US government accuses the Cuban government of human rights abuses when it attempts to stop its citizens from fleeing.

Key Takeaways:

  • In 1980, Cuba dumped 120,000 Cubans on Florida, a combination of unhappy citizens and prison inmates, despite the US's attempts to deter them.
  • The US has a full trade embargo on Cuba, except for "adequate telecommunications" and humanitarian gifts, making it difficult to justify military action against the island.
  • Granting residence status to almost any undocumented Cuban who arrives illegally has created a paradox in US policy, earning President Castro criticism for blaming Cuba's problems on Washington and Miami.
  • Washington has an unfilled immigration and political refugee quota for Cubans who wish to immigrate legally to the US.
  • Under the current system, most visa applicants are rejected due to their intentions to remain in the US, while those who hijack ships or planes are not convicted by US courts.
  • President Castro has expressed a willingness to negotiate a new refugee program with the US, with processing in Cuba by US immigration officers.

Statistics:

  • 120,000 Cubans were dumped on Florida in 1980 (Washington Post, 1980)
  • The US has an advanced trade embargo on Cuba (Washington Post, 1977)
  • Total refugee quota for Cubans has not been filled (Washington Post, 1990)
  • Unfilled immigration quota for Cubans (Washington Post, 1990)
  • High rejection rate of visa applicants, 90% (Washington Post, 1990)
  • No convictions for those who hijack ships or planes to enter the US (Washington Post, 1990)

Sources:

  • Washington Post (1980)
  • Washington Post (1977)
  • Washington Post (1990)
  • Jay Taylor (1979)

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