So Much For Family Values.
Editorial. Published Tuesday, September 5, 2000, in the Miami Herald
Cuba punishes those it deems politically incorrect by barring their exit.
Throughout the Elián González saga, many in South Florida knew that the Cuban regime's pious family-reunification propaganda was bunk. Perhaps now others will know, too. To its credit, the U.S. State Department last week rebuked Cuba's regime for separating families and thus
forcing desperate Cubans to risk death leaving illegally by sea.
In a strongly worded diplomatic note, the United States chided Cuban authorities for increasingly denying exit visas to Cubans with permission to come to the United States legally and for breaking off the semiannual U.S.-Cuba migration talks in which these issues could be addressed.
The note worked, and the regime has said it will go back to the table to hash out obligations under 1994 and 1995 U.S.-Cuba accords designed to promote safe, orderly immigration. It's important to remember that the accords aimed to prevent Cubans such as Elián's mother from dying at sea.
As Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said last week, "Over the past year, the Cuban government has engaged in ceaseless rhetoric about migration issues, including the importance of family reunification. Now would be a good time to back that rhetoric with responsible action.''
Perhaps under international scrutiny, Cuba may finally stop its cruel immigration practices. The U.S. rebuke, however, gave a snapshot of the ugly reality. It noted 117 Cubans granted U.S. visas had been barred from leaving since May alone. Among them were 16 people separated from immediate
relatives abroad and 17 medical professionals. New rules that make it practically impossible for doctors to leave legally will force them to leave illegally or to defect. And by longtime habit, Cuba regularly bars relatives of defectors from leaving. Defector José Cohen's wife, three children
and parents all have U.S. visas, but Cuba has held them hostage since 1996.
Of course, Cuba's repressive regime long has punished those it deems politically incorrect by barring their exit and harassing their relatives, including children. Even the lucky ones allowed to escape must pay through the nose for the privilege: at least $600 for an exit visa, passport and
medical exam. That, on an average wage of $144 a year.
Moreover, since the first U.S.-Cuba migration accords in 1994 were signed, the regime systematically has harassed Cubans interdicted at sea and returned to Cuba by U.S. authorities -- though such payback is specifically forbidden by the accords. That's another failed obligation that the State
Department must address during the meetings.
Cuba's regime blames all its problems on U.S. policy. Truth is that Cubans flee because they have no hope. Cuba's amoral, totalitarian government has to imprison its 11 million people to keep them.
Copyright 2000 Miami Herald | 