MIAMI, (Reuters) – The number of Cuban migrants looking to enter the United States ballooned in early 2015, partly driven by uncertainty over the future of special immigration consideration for Cubans after the two countries announced efforts to improve ties.
In the first three months of the year, 9,371 Cubans arrived in the United States, mostly on the Mexico border and in Miami, an increase of 118 percent over same period in 2014, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Experts say the numbers indicate a surge since the Dec. 17 announcement of efforts by the presidents of Cuba and the United States to restore diplomatic ties and work to normalize relations after more than 50 years of hostility.
“Cubans on the island are increasingly concerned that the special legal status that they have under current U.S. law might be taken away,” said Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University.
Under the Cuban Refugee Adjustment Act of 1966 Cubans who reach U.S. soil have the right to stay and seek residency, a status not offered to any other nationality. A policy known as “wet foot, dry foot” means only those Cubans intercepted at sea are sent back to their communist-run island.
The Obama administration has tried to dispel rumors the welcome mat for Cubans will be withdrawn. “The Administration’s recent announcement regarding Cuba has not changed or altered in any significant way the Cuban Refugee Adjustment Act,” the Customs and Border Protection agency said in a statement to Reuters.
