Rep. Meeks Applauds Obama Administration Ending “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” Policy

Rep. Meeks Applauds Obama Administration Ending “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” Policy

Washington, D.C.—Today, the Obama Administration ended the United States’ “wet foot, dry foot” policy towards Cuba. Originally implemented by President Clinton in 1995, the “wet foot, dry foot” policy permitted Cubans caught at sea trying to reach our borders to become legal residents after one year. Senior Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, issued the following statement regarding the change in policy:

“I applaud President Obama’s decision to end the “wet foot, dry foot” policy. Looking to the future, the President is once again making progress in normalizing our relationship with Cuba. Years ago, President Obama recognized that decades-old US policy towards Cuba desperately needed modernization. With his important and courageous restoration of full diplomacy between our two countries, President Obama turned the page to a new chapter in our relationship.

“This milestone marks another step towards improving and normalizing our relationship with Cuba, to the benefit of our citizens and theirs.”