Question about wet foot/dry foot policy

[journalist3072]

Can anyone tell me under which administration the wet foot/dry foot policy started? I happen to think it's not good policy; not common sense.

Who started it?

[uppityperson]

1. I know the 5 second rule, but huh?

[whistle]

2. What is the "wet foot/dry foot policy "?

[journalist3072]

4. Wet foot/dry foot

It's an official United States policy that basically says if someone from Cuba, trying to come here into the US, is interdicted by sea, they are returned to Cuba. However, if they are found trying to enter the US by land, they can stay.

[whistle]

7. Oh, okay....

[Mika]

3. Clinton admin started it

It was part of the 1996 immigration accords with Cuba.

In turn, Cuba had to agree to stop illegal migration to the US.

Part of the agreement was that a mass migration from Cuba would be construed as an act of war by Cuba upon the USA.

[journalist3072]

5. Thanks

I appreciate your info.

[Mika]

6. FYI, The US provides 20,000 LEGAL immigration visas /year to Cubans

.. the most of any other single country to be offered US immigration visas.

Not all are applied for.

The illegal transportation of Cubans to the US is partaken by those who fail (or would fail) to pass the requirements for a legal US immigration visa.

The going rate for Cuban smuggling is $5000 to $10,000 per head. The smugglers face arrest and prosecution by the US and Cuba, but the smuggled do not - they get to pass go and remain in the US if they touch US shores.

[kcass1954]

8. I dont like the policy...

I've lived in south Florida for 31 years. They were doing it here way before 1996. Basically, Cubans stay. Everyone else is sent home.

[Mika]

9. Before 1996 even those caught by the USCG got to stay in the US.

The wet foot/ Dry foot policy changed that.

Those caught at sea by the USCG are now interviewed for legitimate political asylum claims, and, failing that interview, are returned to Cuba.

Those who make it to US shores get to stay - no matter how they got here or no matter what their criminal background might be. This process allows Cubans who would otherwise fail a legal immigration application to enter the US scott free.

[journalist3072]

10. Exactly!

That's the problem I have w/ it. Take for example, Haitians. Haitians trying to get to the US are not given the same courtesies that Cubans are given. They are just turned right back around and sent back to Haiti.