Committed To Safe And Legal Cuban Migration

Committed To Safe And Legal Cuban Migration

U.S. and Cuban officials have met for a third time since talks resumed
last summer to discuss policies and procedures to promote safe, legal
and orderly migration between Cuba and the United States.
06-26-2010

The U.S. has taken several concrete steps for better communication and
understanding between our two nations. These include reestablishing
discussions about direct mail service, authorizing unrestricted family
visits and remittances, as well as increasing humanitarian and
telecommunications flows.

U.S. and Cuban officials have met for a third time since talks resumed
last summer to discuss policies and procedures to promote safe, legal
and orderly migration between Cuba and the United States. The effort
underscores our commitment to continue to adhere to full implementation
of the 1994 U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords.

Sixteen years ago, in an effort to persuade those hoping to leave Cuba
not to risk the dangerous sea voyages to South Florida, the two
countries signed an agreement calling for 20,000 travel documents to be
issued to Cubans each year. Discussions on implementing the accords were
typically held about twice a year, but were suspended in 2003. The Obama
Administration resumed the discussions in July 2009. Craig Kelly,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere
Affairs, has led the U.S. delegation since the resumption, while Vice
Foreign Minister Dagoberto Rodriguez Barrera has headed the delegation
on the Cuban side.

The recent discussions in Washington centered on ensuring that the U.S.
Interests Section in Havana is able to operate effectively; that
officials there can meet with and monitor the welfare of migrants who
are returned to Cuba after attempting to illegally migrate to the U.S.;
and that Cuban officials accept Cuban nationals back who have been
ordered to depart because they were convicted criminal aliens subject to
removal.

Engaging in such discussions underscores the U.S. interest in pursuing a
constructive dialogue on issues of mutual concern that affect the
security and well being of our citizens. These include reestablishing
discussions about direct mail service, authorizing unrestricted family
visits and remittances, as well as increasing humanitarian and
telecommunications flows.

It is hoped that the Havana government will respond to these good-faith
gestures with steps of its own to ensure the most basic human rights and
improve the lives of its people.

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