Cuban Migrant Surge Highlighting Immigration Reform Concerns

Proponents of immigration reform feel the immigration process for Cuban migrants is disproportionate when compared to the process for people coming in from other countries.

Cubans who arrive at ports of entry can request asylum under the 1966 Cuban adjustment act. In the last two years, about 67,000 Cubans have come to the u-s -- 44,000 of them came through Laredo ports of entry. An immigration attorney who has clients from other countries requesting asylum in the U.S. say they receive different treatment from their Cuban counterparts. Immigration attorney, Nelly Vielma, says, "For example, from other countries, they are going to be detained in a facility until there is a decision under credible claim of persecution, and if they are able to pass that first stage then they can go through an immigration judge. Whereas with the Cubans, they can come through any port of entry, fill out some documentation, and for the most part they are let go right away."

Attorney Vielma and other supporters of immigration reform -- like Congressman Henry Cuellar -- say they hope the balance in the immigration process is restored by changing the law. In anticipation of this possible change, more Cubans are heading into the U.S. prompting an immigration wave in the last two years.

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