The first day of this high-level officials' meeting focused on issues on immigration, ranging from the security of charter flights that travel regularly between Miami and Havana to rooting out fraudulent passports, and working jointly² on potential search-and-rescue missions.

 

However, the two sides seemed to clash over an immigration policy providing special migration¹ privileges for Cuban citizens.

 

Josefina Vidal, Director of North American Affairs for Cuba's Foreign Ministry³, criticised the so-called "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" policy, which usually shields Cubans from deportation⁵ if they reach US shores.

 

"The 'Wet Foot, Dry Foot' and the Cuban Adjustment Act is a policy that grants exclusive and unique treatment to Cuban citizens, that no other citizens from other nations receive. Therefore, we conclude that this is the fundamental issue that remains⁶ as an incentive⁷ for illegal immigration."

 

However, Edward Alex Lee, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America and Cuba, defended the policy.

 

"My government is completely committed to upholding the Cuban Adjustment Act that sets of migration-related policies that are colloquially⁸ known as 'Wet Foot, Dry Foot', very much remain in effect." 

 

He also pressed the island nation to take back tens of thousands of its nationals whom US authorities want to deport⁴.

 

The talks later today will be focusing on restoring diplomatic ties, including dealing⁹ with the mechanics of re-establishing a US Embassy in Havana, and a Cuban Embassy in Washington.

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