A Miami Republican lawmaker is proposing some legislation that would dramatically change policies the United States has had with Cuba for decades.
Rep. Carlos Curbelo is filing legislation that would end aid to some Cuban refugees.
Curbelo stresses this will not amend the Cuban Adjustment Act. He said he simply wants to stop the abuse by some Cubans who take advantage of the benefits they receive, and limit the help to those who flee solely because they are politically persecuted.
"I wanted to tell you about an important bill that I've introduced. The Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act." In a video, Rep. Curbelo explained why he believes only certain Cuban immigrants should be eligible to receive refugee assistance.
Currently, under a provision in the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, all Cubans are treated as refugees and asylees, regardless of their reasons for leaving the island.
Many then apply for the federal Refugee Resettlement Program, which gives them cash, medical assistance and employment preparation, among other things.
"Unfortunately, today there are some Cubans who are blatantly abusing our country's generosity," Curbelo said.
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He said he does not want to cut access to refugee aid for all Cubans. He thinks it should be preserved for people who can prove they are politically persecuted, "It would be exactly the same as anyone who comes to us with an asylum claim."
"They are considered refugees, but some of them are coming for financial gain, and it's coming out of our taxes," said Felix Lopez, Cuban American.
Although Curbelo's bill does not modify the Cuban Adjustment Act, others believe the lawmaker's proposal can have a negative impact on the migration crisis at the Costa Rica Border with Nicaragua.
"I think the abuses can be dealt with through regulations. I think it's a very critical moment in which it could be an irresponsible attitude to bring this issue up at this point because of the signals it could send to the people in Cuba," said Ramon Saul Sanchez, Democracy Movement.
NBC 6 also asked Curbelo whether he believes his announcement will prompt another mass exodus. He said what prompted a mass exodus in the first place is President Obama's policy toward Cuba.
