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Refugees

US Offers Cuba Compromise on Refugee Visas, Negotiations Remain Deadlocked

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US officials announced a new proposal yesterday to increase legal visas for Cuban refugees in an effort to curb the uncontrolled exodus of boat people across the Straits of Florida. The compromise offer, delivered by Michael Skol, head of the US delegation, would increase the previously proposed minimum of 20,000 visas annually, but the exact figure was not disclosed. In return, the US expects Cuba to halt the use of flimsy craft to reach the US. The negotiations, which began on Thursday, remain deadlocked, with significant differences between the two sides. Cuba's foreign minister, Roberto Raina, has stated that the talks are "stalled with no positive signals to note," citing the US refusal to discuss the root problem behind the migration: its 32-year-old embargo against Cuba.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has proposed increasing the number of legal visas for Cuban refugees, but the exact figure is not clear.
  • Cuba has insisted on an increase in legal immigration closer to 100,000 over a specified period.
  • The negotiations remain deadlocked, with significant differences between the two sides.
  • Cuba has accused the US of refusing to discuss the root problem behind the migration, which it attributes to the 32-year-old embargo against Cuba.
  • More than 30,000 Cubans have tried to enter the US illegally since the beginning of the year, with most attempts occurring in August.
  • Cuba's foreign minister, Roberto Raina, has stated that the talks are "stalled with no positive signals to note."
  • The US has allowed in only about 2,700 people annually from Cuba, while Cuba insists a 1982 agreement allowed for thousands more.
  • Cuba wants a commitment to discuss the embargo before settling for a migration agreement.

Statistics:

  • The US has proposed increasing the number of legal visas for Cuban refugees, but the exact figure is not clear.
  • Cuba has sought an increase in legal immigration closer to 100,000 over a specified period.
  • More than 30,000 Cubans have tried to enter the US illegally since the beginning of the year, with most attempts occurring in August.
  • The US Coast Guard has stopped 5,389 Cubans in September.
  • The US has allowed in only about 2,700 people annually from Cuba.
  • Panama has agreed to accept up to 10,000 Cuban refugees to relieve congestion at the US Naval Base at Guantanamo.

Sources:

  • Reuters News Agency (no date mentioned)
  • Clinton administration officials
  • Michael Skol, head of the US delegation
  • Roberto Raina, Cuban foreign minister
  • Ricardo Alarcon, president of Cuba's national assembly
  • David Johnson, spokesman for the US delegation

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