Cubans have been migrating to the United States via Mexico for over a decade. Many immigrants pursue this route to avoid the hassles of dealing with the US Coast Guard. Instead, thanks to the wet foot, dry foot policy, Cubans are allowed to become legal US residents as long as they step foot on American soil. This path for Cuban migration has increased since 2006 because when Raul Castro took over power, many Cubans gave up hope that he would provide a decent life for them . More than 90 percent of Cubans immigrants now reach the United States this way.
Sunday, however, Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said that Mexico had agreed to send back Cuban immigrants who arrive in Mexico without proper documentation. "The measures we have agreed on will include a mechanism for the swift return of illegal migrants who try to use Mexico to get to the United States," Perez Roque told reporters. Mexican officials did not comment on this statement. He also said the agreement, which is to be signed today, should help prevent people trafficking and illegal immigration.
This seems like a very positive step in the efforts to halt illegal immigration into the United States. Only time will tell however if the number of illegal immigrants entering the United States will decrease. I'll try to keep everyone updated on this situation.
Until next time...