Can The End Of “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” Change Cuba?
When my editor asked me to write about the end of the “wet foot, dry foot” policy, I was not sure where I stood. I had been in favor of Barack Obama’s decision since the announcement; however, as I began to think, I realized it was a complicated situation that was harming thousands en route to the United States.
On Jan. 12, Obama said: “Effective immediately, Cuban nationals who attempt to enter the United States illegally and do not qualify for humanitarian relief will be subject to removal, consistent with U.S. law and enforcement priorities.”
I thought the Obama administration did it for the good of the United States and my native country. My argument was that he did it for Cubans to stay inside the island and fight; fight for our rights, our freedom, and what is ours. I’ve always thought that what we need to do instead of escaping is to stay and stand up together. Since the valve of escape ended, this is the time to do it.
But how could I write for the end of a policy that is the reason that I am where I am today? I am a U.S. citizen, and I have all the rights an American-born person does thanks to the “wet foot, dry foot” policy and the Cuban Adjustment Act. Because of this I had a conflict within myself and even called myself selfish and a hypocrite.
It was then when my mind rushed to the dark waters of the sea where rafters were risking their lives at the exact moment of Obama’s announcement. I realized how many people do not know what is going to happen with their lives, how selling everything, risking everything and being stranded in a foreign country for months was in vain. Their future is uncertain.
There are millions of immigrants who risk their lives daily to get to U.S. soil from every part of the world. Everyone yearns for liberty, and happiness for them and their family. Their fight hurts me as well for I am an immigrant. But why would so many immigrants, even from Latin America, celebrate and knock down Cubans?
According to the Miami Herald, the founder of Haitian Women of Miami Marleine Bastien said: “Today is a big day for us.” How is that going to help her cause? This can actually mean fewer immigration reforms; therefore, we should all have empathy for what is happening to Cubans not only inside Cuba but outside the island in the middle of nowhere with lost dreams.
We were not privileged, and it was not special treatment. The policy was there for years because of the lack of freedom of speech, the press and not owning our own country.
I still believe Obama made the right decision, even though it was a drastic one. It perhaps had to happen to see a change inside the island because previous laws that were put against the Cuban government noticeably never worked. Perhaps acting friendly and giving the Cuban government what they want can give the Cuban people what they need.
