More Cubans heading to U.S. -- via Mexico

In the face of a U.S. crackdown on illegal immigration in the waters between Cuba and Florida, Mexican authorities have reported a surge in detentions of Cubans as quick-moving smugglers shift their routes westward.

Under a 1995 proviso of U.S. immigration law known as the "wet foot, dry foot" policy, Cubans who reach U.S. territory are entitled to legal residency. With the Florida Straits under the gun, much of the traffic has been rerouted to bring migrants to Mexico's Yucatan peninsula and then guide them overland to the U.S. border -- where they are detained on illegal entry charges for just a few days, writes the L.A. Times' Carol J. Williams.

Read more about Cuban migrants in Mexico here.

For more posts on Cuba click here.

-- Deborah Bonello in Los Angeles

Photo: Cubans are brought ashore by Mexican forces in Cancun in June after they were found in makeshift boats. Many pay smugglers as much as $15,000 in an attempt to reach the U.S.; credit: Israel Leal / Associated Press.

Comments

[j2tharome]

As long as we have this "wet foot/dry foot" policy then people will keep risking their lives to leave that communist island! We also need to stop these smugglers making money off these people. It's as bad as the coyotes!