In The News
NEWS4SA: Cubans breeze across Texas border; lawmaker believes change is needed
LAREDO, Texas,
March 21, 2016
Cubans breeze across Texas border; lawmaker believes change is neededBY MELISSA VEGA MONDAY, MARCH 21ST 2016
LAREDO, Texas -- In the small border town of Laredo, you'll find Cubans sitting on the steps of Cubanos en Libertad, or Cubans in Freedom. Cubans are entering the United States through Mexico and crossing over to Laredo in record numbers. News 4 San Antonio caught up with several Cubans as they waited to see where they were going next. Belkis Mora-Suarez says she was medical doctor in Cuba, and wants to practice medicine in the U.S. Mora-Suarez hopes to get to Florida where she has a friend. Leianies Calvo came to Laredo with her 3-year-old daughter and husband, and is also looking for a better life. Many Cubans head to Houston or Miami, some stay in Laredo. "They want to work right away. This is a working people, not people looking for benefits," said Alejandro Ruiz. Ruiz is originally from Cuba, and says living in the country is not easy. "In Cuba, they're not democratic; there is no freedom," Ruiz went on to say. The 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act was intended to offer Cubans a refuge from political persecution. Ruiz told News 4 San Antonio he came to the United States in 1992, and has been living in Laredo for the past two years. Ruiz has an auto mechanic business. He's also a notary and helps Cubans apply for work permits and federal benefits. Ruiz has also opened up his own home to Cubans. Congressman Henry Cuellar believes the law needs to change when it comes to the way Cubans are able to enter the United States. "I can understand if somebody comes in and makes their case, and says incredible fear, refugee asylum. You make their case in front of an immigration judge, but what other country gets a blanket, just get to the U.S. and you're in? Nobody else gets that," added Cuellar. People who enter the United States illegally from other countries will get locked up in immigration detention centers and often times deported. "We need to make an adjustment or repeal of what the law is," added Cuellar. With the way things are now, Cubans will continue to come to America. And if you ask them - it's not about the politics, it's about a better life. |