US Ends Its Visa Free Residency for Cubans
The step has been welcomed by the Cuban government
Photo by Day Donaldson
The U.S government just ended the policy that grants Cubans entering the U.S soil without a visa residency in the Country reports the BBC.
The change in the decades long policy is said to be Obama’s attempt at improving relations with Cuba before leaving the Office. BBC quotes him as saying, “With this change we will continue to welcome Cubans as we welcome immigrants from other nations, consistent with our laws.”
The move was welcomed by the Cuban government who has agreed to let Cubans that are turned away from the U.S into Havana. The government released a statement calling it “an important step in advancing relations” between the US and Cuba.
Up until now, Cuba has been the only country whose citizens have received residency via the so- called “wet foot, dry foot” policy.
Thai immigration lawyer, Benjamas Chaiwong said to Thailawforum, ” Although many countries have visa exemptions for certain countries, it is very rare for a country to allow visa free residency to another. This is a step in the right direction for U.S-Cuba relations.”
Read more here
Related articles:
