Cuba Subcommittee
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CUBAN IMMIGRATION?
AFTER SEVEN MONTHS OF ELIÁN, WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT US/CUBA MIGRATION POLICIES?
1. Which government has long favored increasing the number of Cubans who are allowed to migrate legally and safely from Cuba to the US?
a) U.S.A.;
b) Cuba;
c) both of the above;
d) neither of the above.
2. The laws of which nation state that a "mass migration" of people attempting to leave Cuba by sea to come to the U.S., constitutes an "act of aggression" justifying that nation to take appropriate measures to protect its national interest?
a) U.S.A.;
b) Cuba;
c) both of the above;
d) neither of the above.
3. Elián's mother attempted to enter the US illegally by sea, rather than first applying for US permission to immigrate into the US from Cuba. In recent months, about what percentage of Cubans who have tried to enter the US that way by sea have been brought by paid smugglers?
a) 5% or less;
b) 25%;
c) 50%;
d) over 75%
4. T/F: While only a limited number of Cubans are granted permission by the US government to migrate to the U.S., U.S. policy allows an unlimited number of Cubans who enter the US illegally to nonetheless remain and reside in the US if they make it to dry US land.
5. T/F: Compared to the number of persons who receive permission annually from the U.S. government to migrate from Cuba to the US, there is a reported backlog of others constituting a waiting list of over 12 years.
6. T/F: If the U.S. government grants permission to Cubans to immigrate and enter the U.S. by legal means, the Cuban government generally also grants permission for their emigration.
7. According to the Starr Report, President Clinton interrupted an intimate encounter with Monica Lewinsky in order to take a call from an important person, named Alfonso "Alfie" Fanjul. Who is Mr. Fanjul (and what does he have to do with this quiz)?
a) A former sugar baron in Cuba, he is now a multi-millionaire in Florida and a committed foe of the Cuban government;
b) one of the top fundraisers for Clinton and the Democratic party, even though he retains Cuban citizenship;
c) the brother of "Pepe" Fanjul, a major fundraiser for Republican party, even though Pepe retains Cuban citizenship;
d) a major financial contributor to the campaign to keep Elián from being returned to his father in Cuba, he also hosted President Clinton at his Florida home in 1999 for a fundraising meeting specifically focussed on trying to change US policy to encourage increased illegal immigration from Cuba to the US;
e) all of the above;
f) none of the above.
8. There are many people who wish to remain living in Cuba, but would like to visit the U.S. and relatives who live here. The U.S. approves approximately what percentage of such applications?
a) 10%
b) 25%
c) 50%
d) 75%
e) 90%
9. Approximately what percent of Cubans who have come to the U.S. on non-immigrant visas, and who could have requested to stay under U.S. laws, have voluntarily returned to Cuba?
a) 5%
b) 25%
c) 50%
d) 75%
e) 95%
10. T/F: In my opinion, the basic elements of U.S./Cuban policies and practices related to migration from Cuba to the U.S. has been adequately presented by the U.S. media and other means of public education.
Answers Below
Answers: 1 (b); 2(a); 3 (d); 4 T; 5 T; 6 T; 7 (e), 8 (a), 9 (e),10 (what do you think? we'd like to know).
For background on the impact of our lack of normal relations with Cuba and immigration practices on Cuban families, we recommend the documentary "Miami-Havana," available from many school & other libraries including the Milwaukee Public Library, or contact the authors of this questionnaire; to find out if a library near you has it, or for purchase information, contact the Cinema Guild, (212) 246-5522.
For specific sources, suggested further readings
& audio visual materials, as well as any comments, please contact
Natl. Lawyers Guild's Cuba Sub-committee
c/o aheitzer@igc.org
606 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1706,
Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 273-1040.
Additional information is available from www.nlg.org
and www.pathtofreedom.com.