New Cuban Immigration Policy — Impact in the United States

After almost two months since the changes in the Cuban immigration policy took place, the US has not yet shown any signs of changing their own immigration policy. Reforms in the latter might be necessary due to the increase in the flow of Cubans trying to migrate to the US, making use of their new freedom to do so.

Impact of the New Immigration Law in the US

This Monday, the United States Interests Section in Havana reasserted that those Cubans who wish to enter the country will need to schedule and attend an interview to obtain a visa. Therefore, the only reaction on the part of the United States towards the new legislation has been trying to reduce the waiting time for each interview and increase the number of visas that will be given.
The improvement of the immigration situation is a pending objective for both countries, especially after these new changes in the Cuban legislation and the conflict it creates with the Cuban Refugee Adjustment Act. This act establishes that any Cuban citizen who has been admitted into the US after 1959 and has been in the country for at least one year is admissible as a permanent resident. It is said that the spirit behind this act sets Cubans apart from other immigrants, treating them as victims escaping their country. However, with the Cubans’ new freedom to leave their motherland, should this act still apply? Can the Cubans be considered citizens fleeing their own country?

All these questions are to be addressed in the near future. Cuba could be seen as taking the first steps towards the regularization of the current immigration situation, which might lead to a better understanding with countries such as the US. The American government, on the other hand, should probably rethink its immigration policy and relationship with the Cuban government and people, which might lead to further dialogue and harmony.