With diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US moving more toward normalization, there are new questions about how Cuban migrants are treated. Will migrants who arrive in South Florida by boat still entitled to preferential treatment?
One veteran immigration lawyer says maybe not.
"Why do we have to have that? Reasonable people can differ about this but it's a good issue to discuss and realize maybe it's not the best option to continue with," says Milton Aponte.
The Cuban adjustment act permits Cuban migrants to stay in America, under their status of political refugees. The wet foot/dry foot policy is part of that adjustment act. The law has been in place for decades, since 1966.
Migrants from other countries, like Haiti for instance, do not enjoy those special provisions and are typically repatriated after arriving on US shores.
Now that diplomatic talks are underway, and embassies are opening in Havana and Washington, some are asking if the Cuban adjustment act is necessary, or even fair?
"You want to come here... do what the Venezuelans do or the Brazilians do or whoever wants to come here do... why special privilege?" Aponte asks.
Local
Even though the opening of embassies marks a major milestone after a 50 plus year stalemate, significant issues between the U.S. And Cuba still remain.
