For years, Americans who wished to bring Cuban family members to the United States had very little options. While the United States is supposed to issue 20,000 immigration visas to Cubans each year, this is still a limited number. Moreover, the Cuban government must also allow Cubans who have been given immigration visas the ability to leave. On July 17, however, individuals in Mercer County with relatives in Cuba may be able to see their family members much more quickly.
The Obama administration has recently announced that it is starting talks with the Cuban government on migration. It is still not entirely clear what changes, if any, would come about, but it is an important first step that the two governments have agreed to meet and discuss the issue.
One of the things that is expected to be discussed is the American policy of "wet foot, dry foot." This is the policy in which Cubans who try to flee the island for the United States are returned if they are caught at sea. If they have made it to land, however, they are allowed to remain. Officials from the United States will also likely discuss improving human rights conditions in Cuba. Finally, both governments will want to talk about their jailed nationals, including four Cuban intelligence officers who are currently in the U.S.
For these two countries to start talking to each other about immigration is huge, especially since for the past 50 years the countries have not even had direct mail service.
Source: Fox News Latino, “U.S., Cuba To Resume Migration Talks After Years-Long Stalemate,” June 19, 2013
