When I heard this reported on CBSN this evening, I was more than a bit confused. For those not familiar with the "Wet Feet, Dry Feet" Policy regarding Cuban citizens followed by the US Government......
(read here)
The wet foot, dry foot policy is the name given to a consequence of the 1995 revision of the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 that essentially says that anyone who fled Cuba and entered the United States would be allowed to pursue residency a year later. After talks with the Cuban government, the Clinton administration came to an agreement with Cuba that it would stop admitting people intercepted in U.S. waters. Since then, in what has become known as the "Wet foot, Dry foot" policy, a Cuban caught on the waters between the two nations (with "wet feet") would summarily be sent home or to a third country. One who makes it to shore ("dry feet") gets a chance to remain in the United States, and later would qualify for expedited "legal permanent resident" status and eventually U.S. citizenship. In January 2017, the Obama administration announced the immediate end of the policy.[SUP][1]
For years, Cubans entering the US illegally had been given special treatment, but Obama has ended that Policy/Program.
I was a bit confused why a Democrat would take this step, and had to spend some time considering all the motivations/ramifications of such an act. It would (on the surface) seem to be Political suicide for the Dems in the State of Florida come General Election time, but, wait, let me consider this a bit more.
Hmmmmm
Trump made Illegal Immigration the Cornerstone of his Campaign. Promised to "crack down, and end" Illegal Immigration as President Elect.
Hmmmmm
On further review, is it possible that Obama has just placed a very dangerous "land mine" directly in the path of the incoming Trump Administration? Cuban/Americans/Cuban Immigrants are a very important Voting Block in Florida. In 3 of the last 5 General Election, the Republicans have won Florida I believe. Bush twice, and Trump most recently.
Is it possible that Obama/the DNC take such a huge gamble as to anger the Cuban Community/Voters in Florida believing that this action will insure Democrats will win the State in future Elections? Think about it...........IF Trump follows through with his promise (and I believe he will do all he can to do so) and cracks down on Illegal Immigration........FOR THE FIRST TIME in many, many years, this crack down will DIRECTLY effect the Cuban community in Florida. I suspect such a crack down would cause a lot of anger, and cost any future Republican Candidate a lot of votes/support from the Cuban community in future General Elections.
I am left to speculate that this action by Obama is either:
1) The dumbest thing he has ever done as President
or
2) A brilliant Political move designed to turn Florida into the California of the East with regards to General Elections.
Guess only time will tell............and how the Trump Administration reacts to this move by Obama when it takes Office in a few days. I sincerely hope SOMEONE IN THE RNC/Administration is paying attention to this, AND understands the possibilities of such a strategic move on Obama's part.
[/SUP]
(read here)
The wet foot, dry foot policy is the name given to a consequence of the 1995 revision of the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 that essentially says that anyone who fled Cuba and entered the United States would be allowed to pursue residency a year later. After talks with the Cuban government, the Clinton administration came to an agreement with Cuba that it would stop admitting people intercepted in U.S. waters. Since then, in what has become known as the "Wet foot, Dry foot" policy, a Cuban caught on the waters between the two nations (with "wet feet") would summarily be sent home or to a third country. One who makes it to shore ("dry feet") gets a chance to remain in the United States, and later would qualify for expedited "legal permanent resident" status and eventually U.S. citizenship. In January 2017, the Obama administration announced the immediate end of the policy.[SUP][1]
For years, Cubans entering the US illegally had been given special treatment, but Obama has ended that Policy/Program.
I was a bit confused why a Democrat would take this step, and had to spend some time considering all the motivations/ramifications of such an act. It would (on the surface) seem to be Political suicide for the Dems in the State of Florida come General Election time, but, wait, let me consider this a bit more.
Hmmmmm
Trump made Illegal Immigration the Cornerstone of his Campaign. Promised to "crack down, and end" Illegal Immigration as President Elect.
Hmmmmm
On further review, is it possible that Obama has just placed a very dangerous "land mine" directly in the path of the incoming Trump Administration? Cuban/Americans/Cuban Immigrants are a very important Voting Block in Florida. In 3 of the last 5 General Election, the Republicans have won Florida I believe. Bush twice, and Trump most recently.
Is it possible that Obama/the DNC take such a huge gamble as to anger the Cuban Community/Voters in Florida believing that this action will insure Democrats will win the State in future Elections? Think about it...........IF Trump follows through with his promise (and I believe he will do all he can to do so) and cracks down on Illegal Immigration........FOR THE FIRST TIME in many, many years, this crack down will DIRECTLY effect the Cuban community in Florida. I suspect such a crack down would cause a lot of anger, and cost any future Republican Candidate a lot of votes/support from the Cuban community in future General Elections.
I am left to speculate that this action by Obama is either:
1) The dumbest thing he has ever done as President
or
2) A brilliant Political move designed to turn Florida into the California of the East with regards to General Elections.
Guess only time will tell............and how the Trump Administration reacts to this move by Obama when it takes Office in a few days. I sincerely hope SOMEONE IN THE RNC/Administration is paying attention to this, AND understands the possibilities of such a strategic move on Obama's part.
[/SUP]
