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Posted on Fri, Jun. 07, 2002 in
The Miami Herald
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands - (AP) -- Eight Cubans who reached the
U.S. Virgin Islands by boat said Thursday that Radio Martí broadcasts led
them to believe they could legally immigrate if they landed at the shore.
The eight were among 13 Cubans who arrived Monday at this U.S. territory
after a two-day journey from the communist island. The eight pleaded not guilty
to charges of illegal entry Thursday; two others pleaded guilty and a family of
three had not yet been charged because officials were still evaluating how to
deal with them.
They told the Immigration and Naturalization Service they thought they had
permission, on the basis of broadcasts from Radio Martí, a U.S.
government station run by Cuban exiles who oppose Fidel Castro.
''The United States has been encouraging Cubans to enter without inspection
since Radio Martí was established in 1990,'' said Douglas Beevers, a
federal public defender representing the eight defendants.
They didn't immediately present specific evidence about what immigration
information they got from Radio Martí.
Radio Martí officials said Thursday that they do not encourage Cubans
to immigrate to the United States but broadcast news about issues of interest to
the Cuban people, such as immigration topics.
Most Cuban migrants who safely reach American territory without being
detected are allowed to stay. However, they technically can be charged with
illegal entry and sent home if they don't land somewhere designated for
international arrivals -- such as a port.
The eight, in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, are to appear again
in court July 17. | 
