As crisis deepens, Cubans scramble to migrate by any means
Last edited Fri Nov 10, 2023, 08:19 AM - Edit history (1)
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/crisis-deepens-cubans-scramble-migrate-by-any-means-2023-11-09/By Dave Sherwood
November 9, 2023 6:11 AM EST Updated a day ago
Cubans seek to travel abroad to escape economic crisis in Havana
HAVANA, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Cuban Idalberto Echavarria maneuvered his wife Olga in a wheelchair to the front of the line at Terminal 2 of Havana's airport, dodging luggage and a sea of people bidding farewell to friends and family.
The crowded terminal, a launch point for Cubans making their way by air to Nicaragua then overland to the United States, is one barometer of the frenzy to migrate from the communist-run island nation.
For many, like Echavarria and his wife, it has also become a last resort as Cuba's economic crisis deepens with no end in sight.
"There are other ways, but you need money or a family member outside the country," Echavarria told Reuters in an interview at the airport, referring to a refugee program introduced by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden in January that requires a U.S.-based sponsor.
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Create a crisis by collective punishment with economic and trade sanctions.
Attract refugees complaining about said crisis with special programs just for them.
Special benefits for Cuban expats only - instant work visa, instant asses to Social Security and Medicare/aid, instant access to Sec 8 housing (jumped to the front of the line with income exemption to $41,000), instant access to subsidized education, etc etc.
Unlike any other immigrant demographic, their FICA tax withholding benefits goes to their own account instantly (other immigrants have to pay FICA payroll taxes but it does not go to their account for 5 years, goes to the general fund).
Plus, fast-track to citizenship (one year).
Then, vote republican.
And, of course, Cuban expats blame socialism and then get special socialism in the US - made just for them.
Americans know nothing about this process, but applaud their "escape" from socialism. 
