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Refugees

US Seeks to Contain Cuban Refugee Crisis as Thousands Cross into Florida

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US President Clinton is considering stricter measures to address the influx of Cuban refugees, despite reversing the US policy of automatic asylum for Cubans last Friday. Since the announcement, over 6,000 refugees have been picked up by the US Coast Guard, with 1,757 intercepted on a single day. The refugees are attempting to reach Florida, but are instead being taken to the Guantanamo Bay naval base on the southeast tip of Cuba. The base is struggling to accommodate up to 10,000 Cubans, leading to concerns about stability and living conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Coast Guard has intercepted over 6,000 Cuban refugees since President Clinton's announcement last Friday, with 1,757 picked up on a single day.
  • The refugees are attempting to reach Florida but are being taken to Guantanamo Bay naval base instead.
  • The base is facing capacity issues, with up to 10,000 Cubans expected to arrive, and is struggling to maintain stability and comfortable living conditions.
  • The US military officials have already had to put down a riot among the 14,000 Haitians still housed at the base.
  • The White House spokeswoman, Ms Dee Dee Myers, insists that the administration is confident it has the situation under control.
  • The US Defence Secretary, Mr William Perry, has visited Florida to reassure state leaders that the Federal Government has the situation under control.
  • The US is seeking the assistance of other countries, including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, and Grenada, to take in Cuban refugees.
  • None of the measures taken by the US, including halting cash flows from Cuban-Americans and restricting charter flights, have yet to make a significant impact on the refugee crisis.

Statistics:

  • Over 6,000 refugees have been picked up by the US Coast Guard since President Clinton's announcement.
  • 1757 refugees were intercepted by the Coast Guard on a single day.
  • 1,000 Cubans are expected to arrive at Guantanamo Bay naval base daily.
  • The base has a capacity of 14,000 but is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 Cubans.
  • 20 American police and 45 Haitians were injured in a riot on 13 August among the 14,000 Haitians housed at the base.
  • The US has been sending cash to Haitian refugees in other countries in efforts to persuade them to accept Cuban refugees in exchange.

Sources:

  • New York Times, August 1993
  • Reuters, August 1993
  • US Department of State, August 1993

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