CUBA
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14 August 2006
New U.S. Policy Aims To Support Cuban Families' Reunification
By Lauren Monsen
Washington File Staff Writer
Washington -- The Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced changes to its existing policy that will support the reunification of families separated by the regime of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro by reducing the backlog for those waiting for family-based immigrant visas, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
See also: DHS Press release
USCIS, which is a division of the DHS, issued a statement August 11 on the new policy and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to assist Cuban migrants and refugees who succeed in reaching U.S. shores. At the same time, however, the Bush administration is urging the Cuban people to remain on their native soil "so that they may work for their freedom and a democratic society," said DHS Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson.
Immigration processing in Cuba is regulated by the 1994 Joint Communique that allows the United States to process a minimum of 20,000 migrants for travel to the United States each year. Historically, three classes -- family-based immigrant visas, refugees and the Special Cuban Migration Program, referred to as the Cuban Lottery -- have made up that goal, but there has been a significant backlog of individuals that have applied for family-based immigrant visas. The Homeland Security plan aims to reduce this backlog by recognizing a fourth class of migrants -- Discretionary Family Reunification (Backlog) Parolees.
In support of its goal to reunify families split apart by the Castro regime, USCIS said it "will exercise its discretion to increase the numbers of Cuban migrants and refugees admitted to the United States each year who have family members in the United States."
Approximately 21,000 Cuban migrants are admitted into the United States annually. Even though that total number will not change, a significantly larger portion of the total will be Cubans with family members in the United States, according to the agency.
Since the recent transfer of power from an ailing Castro to his brother Raul, U.S. officials have been anticipating a potential influx of migrants from Cuba. Although "we discourage anyone from risking their life in the open seas in order to travel to the United States, ... if a Cuban chooses to reunite with their [U.S.-based] family, ... we support a safe, legal and orderly migration," said Jackson.
To help ensure that any migration from Cuba meets the "safe, legal and orderly" requirement, Homeland Security has pledged to work closely with Congress to develop legislation that will increase both criminal and civil penalties for maritime alien smugglers. Modeled on current maritime drug-smuggling laws, the proposed legislation will enhance prosecution of those who repeatedly endanger innocent lives.
The agency noted that some of Cuba's medical professionals also might qualify for immigrant status. "Using existing parole authority, the United States will allow Cuban medical personnel currently conscripted to study or work in a third country under the direction of the Cuban government to enter the United States," said USCIS. This policy will also apply to the families of these professionals, who often must remain in Cuba.
The full text of a press release on the USCIS measures relating to Cuban migrants and refugees is available on the Department of Homeland Security Web site.
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov) | 
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