Thread: WITNESSING A ‘DRY FOOT’ ARRIVAL

WITNESSING A ‘DRY FOOT’ ARRIVAL

By Stephanie Himango, NBC News Producer

MIAMI – On Tuesday, one year after moving here from Illinois, I got a firsthand look at one of the key issues shaping southern Florida – migration from Cuba.

Just before dawn, I was out for a run near the waters of Biscayne Bay. I had nearly reached the Rickenbacker Bridge when I saw ahead of me in the lifting darkness a group of people walking toward me on the same tree-lined path.

Not fully awake, despite the fact that I was running, my first thought was this might be a bunch of teenage kids who were up to no good. After all, why would any group of people be walking together in a tight-knit pack on a running path just before daybreak?

I moved over to a parallel path closer to the water, one with fewer trees and better light. As I passed the group, I observed it was made up of mostly men, but a few women as well. Again, without full light it was difficult to tell. Some of the men walked slowly with their hands folded gently behind them, a posture that was slightly comforting to this lone jogger.

I continued my run over the bridge and started back when I heard a siren and soon saw red emergency vehicle lights ahead. Then I saw a single helicopter flying overhead.

As I got closer, I could take in the whole scene, and I suddenly knew exactly what was happening before me. The group was now accompanied by a fire rescue truck, a police car, and a couple of law enforcement officers standing near them.

Everyone in the group was seated on the same running path, quietly, seemingly peaceful in their place, some without shoes, one with gray hair, and a few with sheets or blankets wrapped around them.

They were Cubans. They had made it. Dry feet. Success.

The group will very likely be allowed to remain here under the U.S. government policy known as "wet foot/dry foot." Had they been interdicted at sea, they would most likely have been sent back to Cuba.

Dangerous journey
U.S. Coast Guard said they've seen a steady increase in the number of Cubans taking to the sea and heading to Florida. During 2007 the Coast Guard reported that of the more than 7,000 Cubans known to have set sail for Florida, at least 2,868 were interdicted at sea, and more than 4,500 made it past Coast Guard cutters in the Florida Straits and arrived on U.S. soil. Untold hundreds also died trying and were lost at sea.

Despite the dangers, Cubans continue to take the risky journey – during the first 15 days of 2008 Coast Guard crews have already interdicted 203 Cuban migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally.

When I got home, I flipped on the NBC television station in Miami, WTVJ, and my suspicions that the people I had seen had just arrived in the country were confirmed.

The lower third of the screen read "Cubans Ashore" and the helicopter shot showed the very people I had just seen. Later, I read an account from the 14 Cubans in which they said they were dropped off quietly on the shore at about 6:30 a.m. after spending a chilly night aboard a speedboat.

By that math, I saw them within about 30 minutes of their arrival, and I know they saw me. So I guess it is possible that as NBC Correspondent Mark Potter said, "You may have been their first American."




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Comments
Thousands each year? Bringing no money, no job skills, what diseases, what criminal backgrounds? No one knows, because of some stupid, outdated, irresponsible policy.
Time to change it, NOW!!
taxed out! (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:35 AM)

January 17, 2008

What can I say? People do what they have to do in order to survive. They are escaping Cuba's bleak political and economical landscape. As a fully bi-lingual American Citizen, (I speak both English and Spanish fluently) I know from first hand experience that this great country of mine (I'm talking about the U.S.) is the land of opportunity not freebies. In my humble opinion, this is exactly what the U.S. should give them. An opportunity, not a handout.

Regards,

Michelle


P.S. Bienvenidos (Welcome) !!!!

Lynn H. Bienvenue, Boston, Massachusetts (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:39 AM)

This is the kind of stuff that really chaps me. Being a taxpayer I know that a portion of my tax dollars will be spent to help these ILLEGAL aliens, stay in this country and get a start. Never mind the fact they will get all the medical care they may need at my expense. Yet I cant afford the $173.00 a week it would cost to add my wife to my insurance. The other day my wife became ill and had to go to the doctor, and since we are not illegal aliens (just taxpayers)we had to pay $679.00 in doctor and perscription charges. I'm sure these illegal's will also receive for free any medications they may need also. So you answer me this Uncle Sam, how is this fair by any stretch of the imagination? How do you expect people that can't afford to take care of their own to continue to pay for the people that don't even have the right to be here?
Vince Tester (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:48 AM)

wow.
Erika (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:53 AM)

Strange how Homeland Security works.. You can walk onto shore and be allowed to stay if you are from Cuba.. If you walk across the border from Mexico, you are pretty much safe also, and with benefits.. My wife lives in Coloombia, S.A. and it will be 2 years before they let her come to the states.. (even for a visit)!!! Doesn't make alot of sense does it?

mark N. Carolina (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:07 AM)

IT IS FUNNY ABOUT THE WET FOOT DRY FOOT LAW. WE HAVE MORE CUBAN THAT PASS THROUGH OUR BOARDS THAN FLORIDA. WHAT THEY DO IS TAKE A BOAT RIDE TO CANCUN. FROM THERE THEY MAKE THERE WAY TO THE BOARDER AND WALK ACROSS. AND NOW THEY ARE CITIZENS.
SHELDON,KATY,TX (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:10 AM)

This needs to be stopped... Why are they allowing these people who sneak over our borders to stay here? Policy needs to be changed, and it needs to be changed now. They are NOT Americans, and if they want to come over here, they can stand in line and do it legally like most other immigrants.
Alison, Redford, MI (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:25 AM)

I think that Cubans who make it to the US, should be granted asylum from political tyranny. If we said let by gones be by gones like we have with so many other countries then they might stop crossing our boarders in hordes. They can't really compete with the rest of the world when they have heavy embargo's placed upon them. We forgave Germany for a few world wars here and there. we forgave Japan for destroying a navel fleet, and i guess they forgave us for dropping a nuke. we side with Russia when its covenant. and they gave Cuba the missiles to point at our direction. i see no sanctions on any of those affluently white countries or Asians. i guess south Americans are to much of an eye sore to let in. hey there mister Cuban... olly olly oxen free. congrats.
bill brewer. Portland maine (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:35 AM)

The only reason for Cuban migration is the Castro regime. Few Cubans came to the US in the past, even during hard times in the 1930's, except for political reasons. The Castro regime gives many people no other choice but to leave. Many Americans do not know that the FBI and other US agencies do not allow Cubans to organize to fight the Castro regime, due to the Kennedy-Krushchov pact of 1962 during the missile crisis. If you want to stop Cuban illegal immigration, get rid of Castro. Besides, Southern Florida has fluorished due to the Cubans. Before they came, it was really a giant nursing home for old people.
Joseph Buff, Manassas, VA (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:35 AM)

If Bush had a brain and cared about our borders,,he would nix the this wet foot dry foot before he leaves office. It was put into place by moron politicians in thd late 60s or 70s. It also caused our gov to look the other way when others came in via mexico.
But Bush has no sense at all when it comes to our border, we all know that. Miami was hijacked from the american people by our moron politicians actions,,namely Jimmy Carter
Paul William (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:36 AM)

It is time this bad law is taken off the books and all illegals be returned to their own countries or jailed as they should be, not given a free ride at our expense! A democrat.
jims/okc/ok (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:45 AM)

They aren't illegal aliens because U.S. policy ALLOWS them to stay here legally once they make it to dry land. It's a vestige of our Cold War policy against communism.

That policy should be changed and all immigrants should have to apply for visas and be screened before they're allowed to come to this country.

Unfortunately, immigration reform has become synonymous with racism and intolerance and very few politicians REALLY want to address this problem lest they be labeled racists.
MS, Miami, FL (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:46 AM)

Id rather have my taxes help a Cuban seeking freedom just like our ancestors than a lazy American drug addict. At least they have the drive to want something and go out and get it. Something many of us here in America need.
Real American (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:51 AM)

If it is so easy to come here from Cuba, what is to stop terrorists from using this same ploy? All they have to do is make believe they are coming from Cuba...
Storm (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:59 AM)

I witnessed this arrival also (work on Key Biscayne). It was cold (for Florida that's in the 50's) that morning and when I drove by there was a group of people standing my Crandon Beach w/ blankets around them). I am all for people coming in this country, but you need to have a way to sustain yourself (or need to be docked via taxes) the $$ you received when first entering the country. I would love to get a check each month (or each year ANYTHING) for not having a job. But instead I drive 1.5 hours each day to Key Biscayne and work for my money...huh...what did I do wrong???
Shelly, Miami, FL (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:00 AM)

yo vince

stop the chapping and get some ointment. do you think these people would be risking their entire lives if they had anything left in their 'home country?' if you lived in cuba and wanted a better life, you would probably do the same.

moreover, im pretty sure that your family isnt 'native' ... even 'native' americans likely came across footbridges here.

while i agree the insurance costs are out of control, these migrants are not the source of your insurance woes. over the last 8 years, have your healthcare costs gone down or up? ask yourself who has been running things over the last 8 years and getting rich in the interim
steve zissou, pacifica, CA (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:01 AM)

wow ... if you don't know the situation, why comment and shine a light on your ignorance.

These people are Cubans, and as such, when they arrive on U.S. soil they are political refugees, and are NOT illegal immigrants.

And regardless of where they arrive, or how, they are also NOT citizens.

I believe that they are granted migrant visas, and are eligible for expedited resident status.
Charles Parker (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:01 AM)

I undeerstand whre you taxpayers are coming from. We have the same problem up here in Canada. Asian's are coming in by the boatload and once there feet touch land they are citizens and given anything and everything they want at my expence. I think they should be immediately put on a plane and sent back to where they came from and I would gladly pay for that.
Harold James (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:01 AM)

Vince, why is it that you think they'll get free health care? They LEFT Cuba, remember. Cuba gives out free health care, here in the US, as you've so painfully noted, those without the money are SOOL. Also, they are not illegals. Only those here illegally can be called illegal, duh...The US grants them residency upon their arrival in a lame attempt to embarrass and discredit Fidel. The real tragedy is that we give them that glimmer of hope, and hundreds die every year striving for it. These people have brass balls and will probably work harder than you. So get a clue Vince, then get a second job and start paying for your wife's health insurance. I bet our new denizens won't complain about their lack of coverage, instead, they'll work their butts off to get it...
James Bowe (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:05 AM)

this has got to stop, but it won't. the PC shock troops will be sure to muzzle anyone who tries to speak out, if you call for a halt to this you risk being labeled as a racist or hatemonger... if you come illegally you should be:
a. sent back
b. locked up
period no arguments. the constitution is for AMERICAN CITIZENS, not cubans, not mexicans, not viet namese. the aclu is the worse thing to ever happen to america!
Rick (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:05 AM)

Why is a Cuban treated any different from any other immigrant, or even a USA citizen. Do you American's really want to know where YOUR social security is going; I live in Miami, our Government treats a Cuban like they walk on water. Homeland Security, where are you? 7000 Cuban's rode speed boats into Fla in 2007 and just because they are a Cuban, they are not looked upon as they could be a terrorist. If 7000 Cuban's came into Florida and were not stopped, what stops 7000 Terrorist from coming into Florida? Amazing isn't it, there are many people from many countries that are treated worse than a Cuban from Cuba, but we do not feel sorry for them. Homeland Security, stop people from entering Florida. Thank you
A Thompson, Miami, Florida (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:11 AM)

For all of you raging about taxes I will only say this, maybe the "freebies" we offer to those who make it here, in some way help to redeem us for the way we treated the "first americans" who were here when we arrived. Get off your high horses folks and realize hardly anyone would have survived had it not have been for the kindness shown by the "Indians" when Colombus was found lost at sea.
Jason Bryant, Burlington, NC (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:14 AM)

We treat illegals better than our veterans, our poor, our seniors, and our struggling middle class who play by the rules and yet can't afford their own health insurance. Change WILL NOT come from Washington, it has to be a grassroots movement; for, by and of the people. A Mexican man told me several years ago, that "they are taking back their country, one person at time". We need to stop complaining and start getting involved to create real change.
P.L. Gilcrest, Delaware, Ohio (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:16 AM)

James Bowe, you for sure do not know what you are talking about with reference to Cubans. And NO!, they do not work harder than me; granted there are some good Cubans, but they still should not be treated any better than any other immigrant.
A Thompson, Miami, Florida (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:17 AM)

This is absolute nonsense ! No security for all people here in the United States. This is criminal and needs to be stopped! Discusting, irrational and actually frightening. Time to repeal the laws. No other country in the world allows this kind of behavior for muchers.
Jim, California (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:19 AM)

I think it is totally unfair that if Cubans touch the shores, they get to stay, but let anybody from Haiti, or Jamaica, or other islands/countries reach the shore, they'll be packed up and shipped right back! What's good for one should be good for all!
Just because a country isn't communist doesn't mean the people live better! People in "democratic" countries also suffer!
Rachel, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:21 AM)

Bottom line. You can't blame someone for wanting a better life for themselves and their children. None of them had a choice in where they were born. People throughout the third world attempt to cross into developed nations everyday. North Africa to Western Europe is what Cuba is to the US. If your worried about an unskilled, non-english speaking immigrant taking your job...then what does that say about your job skills? Also, lets not try to use the agrument about how immigrants are wasting our tax dollars. The government has ALWAYS done a poor joob in managing its tax revenue. Also, if you don't like your tax dollars helping immigrants then maybe I don't like the fact that I'm single with no children and have to pay more in taxes than someone WITH children. So, in other words, I'm helping people educate their own children. You can't afford children, don't have any instead of expecting a tax cut and letting other taxpayers pay the cost. We definitely need a tax reform in this country.
Daniel C. Medina, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:23 AM)

Rick, do you also feel the Statue of Liberty should be torn down? That great symbol of our country has a little plaque at the bottom that bids those seeking better lives to come and seek it here in the land of opportunity. They come looking for opportuinities for themselves and their families. Is that all that different than coming seeking religious freeedom? I hear some folks did that a few hundred years ago. And really the use of the term PC shock troops is a little hard right radio language isn't it? Knowing they'll encounter a vast quantity of attitudes similar to your own ans still they come shows determination I think that mirrors the "true" american spirit much more than just sitting back and complaining. Go out and help someone.
Jason Bryant, Burlington, NC (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:23 AM)

Remember this one? "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore." People should take a moment to remember the principles on which America was built before they start talking about America being for "Americans."
Mike, NY (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:25 AM)

There is a lot of criticism for wet foot/dry foot here, but what would you propose as the alternative? It is a compromise, and compromises are never perfect. Before you answer "Send 'em all back" remember that we (almost) all came as immigrants at one point. immigration from other, usually worse, places is fundamental to who we are as a country. It is an oversimplification to say "lock the door and throw away the key"
Mark, Battle Creek, MI (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:32 AM)

All this misses the real fact the we a c contry are in a mess where there are to meney pepole that have to scholling or very poor scholling so thay can not do most jobs we have to offer. This is the problum and that is why we need to stop them from coming in.
Danny, Dallas tx (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:32 AM)

For all of you whining about them being illegal immigrants, they are not. The policy makes those with dry feet legal. This isn't the same as someone crossing the Mexican border, as they remain illegal after getting here. However, Cuba is an exception due to its political situation, and there is a long-standing policy of allowing Cubans political exile here in the U.S. If you don't like it, you can ironically thank Bill Clinton for having cut down the number of Cuban immigrants allowed via the wet feet/dry feet policy. (before him, under Bush and Reagan, those found at sea were also admitted into the country). Now, say what you like about these people, but for those of you throwing around the word "illegal" like it should mean something here, it doesn't apply to this situation. The second their feet are on dry ground, it's legal.
Pablo, Provo, Utah (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:34 AM)

IMO, the "wet foot, dry foot" policy is absurd. All illegal aliens should be treated alike: they should be deported! I have read that since so many Cubans are now coming in through Mexico, Mexican illegal aliens are practing Cuban accents so they can claim that they are Cubans! This is a ridiculous situation and should not be allowed to continue. Castro is a dying old man, and is not worth tolerating illegal immigration just to thumb our noses at him.
CaptJaneway, Texas (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:47 AM)

How fortunate we are to have been born here...the biggest handout of all. Congratulations, new residents for persevering and making the first step toward a better life.
Maritza (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:52 AM)

When wetbacks/dry-foots/whatevers suddenly went from being "illegal aliens" to being "insufficiently documented immigrant workers" in the late '90's, (During the Rodhamovich-Clinton Regime, I might add), I figured it was only a matter of time before the U.S. ceased to exist as a viable, independent country, and it's now happening. Let's rescind the law which allows Cuban psychos and criminals a free pass, then pull back on troops in the Gulf and use them to secure our own borders (ALL of our own borders) instead...
Ann, Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:55 AM)

The U.S. spends billions of dollars in the Iraq war as well as covert actions against governments. It's important to let people come here and see the 'freedom' of the U.S. and better their lives. God Bless these individuals. People should stop blaming people for their problems; Blame the U.S. government when you can't afford healthcare. No human is illegal....Stop your hat against people. 50 million Americans don't have health insurance, and that's a crime by our government....against humanity. Do something.
Chris Peters, TX (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:00 PM)

Well, just for the record I feel that I must state that I have never met a Cuban who didn't:
a) Have an insanely strong work ethic;
b) Make the so-called "Real Americans" re-examine their *own* work ethic, and in most cases, improve it;
c) Remain grateful for the opportunity to ESCAPE FIDEL'S COMMUNIST REGIME!!!

Yes, kids, Communism is alive and well. Hence the political refugee status of Cubans. Note, if you will, that this does not apply to Mexicans,or to South Americans. Know why? Because Mexico and South America are NOT Communist-controlled!
Kelley O'Rourke, Providence, RI (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:03 PM)

they aren't illegal aliens.

they are legal aliens.

you want the law changed? write your congressman.

the reason they come is because they know they will be rewarded with legal alien status if they make it so you can't blame them for trying to leave Cuba.
rob, austin tx (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:06 PM)

As I recall from History..the only Real Americans are the Native American Indians....the rest of us are here because of our ancestors coming to this land from another country. So in essence we are all foreigners. IF these people want to come..fine! BUT, they should have to pay taxes and work too...no freebies! Many Americans (all races) are dependant on our tax money for assistance, I see many driving new cars and wearing new clothes...but still drawing food stamps and government health care. I my self drew upon the government for both services, but I also work my butt off to put myself thru school, while supporting my family to get a degree and a great job. It was hard, very hard while supporting my wife and 2 kids. I thank the government for allowing me to use those services. I was able to pull myself off and become independent, many americans don't want to get off the system, for them, that would mean that they would have to actually work!! Don't hate the foreigners, they are wanting a better life too!
Adam, Houston, TX (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:07 PM)

Here is the perfect opportunity for the Navy, Air Force and Marines to train for repelling an invasion force from a communist country. They have no jobs, money, and education, don't speak the language, and don’t respect our laws and who knows what they were in Cuba, rapist, murderer or worse. SECURE OUR BORDERS! NOTHING ELSE WILL GET BETTER HERE UNTIL THIS LAW IS ENFORCED. HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, CRIME OUR JOBS BEING TAKEN BY THEM UNTIL OUR BORDERS ARE SECURE AND ANY PERSON HERE ILLEGALLY IS SENT BACK TO WHERE THEY ARRIVED FROM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Goike, Nashville, Tennessee (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:08 PM)

Dont forget where your fathers fathers father and mother come from. We had all migrated at some point in time.
Douglas Gebhardt (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:14 PM)

Obviously, the Liberty Statue doesn't represent our general mood any more. However, according to a statistical study reported either here or on cnn.com, illegal immigrants pay less visits to emergency room than citizens, which is contrary to some well believed rumor. I don't have a certain opinion on those dry foot/wet foot migration. But I do believe we should install the mechanism that allow labor to flow much more freely in and out of our country. It will definitely help our economy.
DH, New Orleans, LA (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:17 PM)

My neighbor friend works at a hospital clinic and she is told that if a immigrant comes in for care they are to be taken first before someone who lives here with medical coverage. Straight from a reliable working in the scene sorce.
I make the travel arragnements at the comapny I work for and when my guys need to go to other countries on buiness I have to fill paperwork stating they the travelers will bring sufficient monies with them to live they are not to rely on the visisting government. I see the USA does not require such monies, what the Heck we have enough and then sum....

It is not our fault their country is going to pot why are we to pick up the slack.


Working for a living in the US (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:19 PM)

It is a much simpler and easier way to get into this country than through the legal immigration. I came to US legally as a student did my MS and guess what I am waiting for my GC for the past 13 years. I am in the top 6% income group and I pay heck load of dollars in taxes.
Whatz u r say on this????
Lax Penod (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:21 PM)

i dont comprehend this concept where it's ok for cubans to come over and be welcomed into the united states with open hands as long as they have "dry feet" We might as well tell all the Mexicans who are out loving neighbors to purchase a boat, go toward florida make it on land and say they're cuban. Or should we just build a fence in florida to keep them out as well.
Upset in Texas (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:21 PM)

These ignoramuses assume that these people were ignorant savages coming to mooch off of our utopian society. They piously refer to them as illegals. Maybe they are right, but I dont think so. Xenophobes will always be with us. They need to have a unifying group they can all join.
John Brown (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:23 PM)

Allowing refugee status to Cubans who make it "feet dry" isn't the problem. The problem is that this country, initially populated by refugees, have gotten stingy with the very thing they hold dear: The freedom to be what they want and say what they want without fear of the government sending secret police to kidnap and/or kill them in the night.

I'm all for America first when it comes to pretty much everything, I really wish we *could* stop sending billions of dollars overseas to countries as financial aid, however given the state of the world with every penny ante dictator just itching to "own" a country, we cannot.

As much as you may not like it, America is the world's 911 force, the world's charity bank and haven for those who want a better life. If they make it here, they should be given a chance to get that better life. I just wish they'd make a concerted effort to learn English, I shouldn't need a translator walking down the street...
Mike P, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:23 PM)

Interesting that Cubanos have wet/dry foot but if you are Haitian you can forget it. If the USA would stop being so selective and either let everyone in or let no one in, we could reduce most of the strife we have right now.
Jay, TX (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:23 PM)

It would seem to be more advantageous to arrive in this country by illegal means than to apply by normal methods. Waiting times are zilch as compared to months and possibly years by normal application and verification methods, before even being allowed into the country. I firmly believe that all should be afforded equal rights to enter the country but also that equal methods be used to process thes individuals. Whatever happened to equality?
Doug McDougall, Titusville, florida (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:24 PM)

This utterly ridiculous Government of ours, keeps the policy of not having anything to do with Cuba. After all it is a Communist Country, for God's sake!!!

But.... But..... We heavily invest in Communist China and so much so, that is extremely difficult to find anything to buy in our stores that is not 'Made in China'.
This investment in China, the most populous country in the world, has enriched them to the point that their demand for raw materials including oil, has sent us into a recession that will be around for quite awhile, IMO.
If we come to terms with Cuba and invest in them, their need to come to Florida will just vanish... One immigrant problem solved!
Stephen L (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:27 PM)

http://fieldnotes.msnbc.msn.com/archive ... 82880.aspx

I love when people start quoting the statue of liberty. Do they not know that she was a gift from France? Do they also not know that those are not our words, but what France chose to put on that tablet?!

I don't mind the Cubans getting asylum here -- especially after the Bay of Pigs debacle. I knew a Cuban woman once, she told me the Cuban people want to take back their country from Castro and are just waiting for their chance. Her father was evidently involved somehow w/the movement to free Cuba back then.