Why refugee status?

Now that we are normalizing relations with Cuba, why do we still allow Cubans to enter the United States seeking political asylum via the “wet foot/dry foot” law? We all know that for the great majority of these newer migrants, it’s purely economic betterment that they nationals want. We all know that life is tough in Cuba, and many have family here with whom they want to be reunited. But really, it’s no surprise that a better standard of living is what the majority are after.

Can’t Congress immediately remove the refugee status so many claim? Last year, about 40,000 entered the United States with most settling in the Miami-Dade area.

Now with the situation happening in Central America an additional 8,000 are expected, the burden of which is projected to affect our resources drastically.

Even more important is the fact that we’re giving special dispensation to a group that no longer needs it while denying the same privileges to other immigrant groups who should have it or might need immigration status more.

This story was originally published January 18, 2016 at 9:05 PM with the headline "Why refugee status?."