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Cuba File 1995 [1]
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FOIA Number: 2016-0920-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Public Liaison
Series/Staff Member:
Suzanna Valdez
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
9445
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Cuba File 1995 [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
30
5
6
1
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. memo
Richard Nuccio to Vice President re: Update on Cuba policy (2 pages)
06/13/1995
P1/b(1)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
Suzanna Valdez
OA/Box Number: 9445
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba File 1995 [1]
2016-0920-F
jm 1907
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Cuba File '95
Cuba File '96
CUBA
MBDA
ID :202-501-4698
FEB 13'96
17:41 No. 004 P.03
February 13, 1996
TO:
RM
FROM: MH
Rep. Menendez is reaching out to Harold Ickes to request a private
meeting with the President to discuss his Cuba policy. The
Congressman has never had an opportunity to meet privately with the
President to discuss his views and concerns.
Rep. Menendez'is willing to support "waiver" language for Title III
of the bill, providing that the Administration supports the House
passed bill. It is also our understanding Lia:- the Republicans,
including Senator Dole, kep. Diaz Ballart & Rue Lehtinen will
support this.
Rep. Menendez is also concerned about the October 6 Presidential
Guidelines. It has become Increasingly apparent in recent weeks
that Castro will use the new regulations to accomodate only those
travelers who suit his Interests, including potontial business
partners. The Intent of the regulations was to promote interaction
with Cuban NGOs not promote business deale with Gilotte, Time
Warner, CCL
Rep. Menendez is also concerned about the enforcement of the
embargo. ne has met with Tony Lake, Nuccio. and Mr. Ickes in an
effort to express his concerns AT the highest levels. only recently
did the Administration finally open the OFAC office in Miami
which Menendez publicly praised the President for his commitment to
the embargo.
MBDA
ID:202-501-4698
FEB 13'96 17:40 No .004 P.01
OF COMMERCE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
LONGTED STATES of /
Minority Business Development Agency
Weshington, D.C. 20230
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
DATE:
TO: Suzana Valdez
FAX NUMBER:
456 6218
OFFICE NUMBER:
FROM: JOAN PARROTT-FONSECA
ELIO MULLER
RUDY FUENTES
ROBIN GREER
JO JOHNSON
CHUCK MELLEY
LESLIE PAYNE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
14TH & CONSTITUTION AVENUE, N.W.
ROOM 5055
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20230
OFFICE NUMBER (202) 482-5061
FAX NUMBER (202) 501-4698
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING THIS COVER: 3
MESSAGE:
P.02
WAIVER
The President may waive any and or all provisions of Title III
FEB 13'96 17:40 No.004
of this act if the President certifies to the appropriate
congressional committees that the waiver of the provisions of Title
III of this act serves the national security interest of the United
States, and the President certifies that events have occurred that
cause Title ITI of this act to impede the furtherance of democracy
in Cuba.
The above proposed waiver is boiler plate National Security waiver
language adapted to title three factual scenarios. It would grant
to the President absolute ability to waive the enforcement of the
"Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1995"
more commonly known as the "Helms Burton Bill". Several trial
balloons have been sent into the Republican proponents that
indicate that they are willing at this time to support allowing the
inclusion of such waiver language. This language is supported by
the Cuban American Democrat friends of the White House, Congressman
Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Congresswoman Ileana Ross Lenthinan,
and Congressman Lincoln Diaz Balart of Miami, as well as the Cuban
American National Foundation.
Congressman Robert Menendez who is a strong democrat supporter of
this legislation would like to be the primary proponent of this
compromise language. Indicators are that the Republican proponents
would be willing to allow him to broker this compromise on their
behalf.
The President is scheduled to be in the district of Congressman
Menendez on Thursday, February 15, 1996. The Congressman is hoping
to be able to discuss this matter with him at that time.
JULY 95
BLIND WORK
ASSOCIATION, INC.
BINGHAMTON
NEW YORK
SINCE 1929
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
JUNE 95
BLIND WORK
ASSOCIATION, INC.
BINGHAMTON
NEW YORK
SINCE 1929
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
11/08/95
ИГ
CABLIM
12:45
Which country is the largest
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
002
NHEIMER F PORT
single donor of humanitarian aid
to Cuba? Surprise. surprise: the
United States.
Castro
Since the Clinton administra-
Argentine Consul in Miami
tion began speeding up licenses
Juan Carlos Kreckler will be
for private humanitarian aid to
given a one-way ticket to Norway
if President Carlos Menem's
Cuba in 1993, more than $100
turn over
million in food and medicine has
aides advocating closer ties to
Cuba have their way, Argentina's
been approved. up from an aver-
age of $1 million a year in the
daily Ambito Financiero reports.
terrorist?
Kreckler would be appointed
previous two decades. Most of
ambassador to Norway and
the government-approved aid
replaced by an official close to
has been disbursed, or is under
Alberto Kohan, the senior
Did Cuban President Fidel
way, U.S. officials say.
Menem aide reported to have
Castro help deliver one of Latin
That makes the American
people the largest single donors
engineered Argentina's recent
America's most wanted terroriste
rapprochement with Cuba.
to Argentina? Exiled Cuban
in the world, we are told by
Responds Kreckler: "Not true.
writer Norberto Fuentes, $ for-
Richard Nuccio, President Clin-
I'll be in. Miami for a consider-
mer darling. of the Cuban
ton's top adviser on Cubs: If
able time and have been assored
regime's intelligentsis, is con-
one adds the money the Cuban-
so by the Foreign Ministry.
vinced that's the case.
American community is sending
Fuentes quotes cashiered
to Cuba [estimated between $300
Cuban Gen. Patricio de is
million and $500 million a year].
Go to Taiwan. A Paragusyan
Guardia - still jailed in Cubs -
the United States already
delegation visiting international
as having told him shortly before
accounts for about 20 percent of
financial institutions in Wash-
his 1989 arrest that de La
Cuba's economy."
ington, D.C., in search of funds
Guardia and executed Gen.
for a congressional building
Arnaldo Ochos had helped train
received this kindly suggestion,
A population-growth basket
Argentine terrorist Barique Gor-
case: Nicaragua. While virtually
"Why don't you so to Taiwan
riaran Merio, the confessed killer
all Latin American countries are
and ask them?
of former Nicaraguan strongman
It wasn't a joke. Diplomatically
succeeding in slowing down pop.
Anastasio Somoza
ulation growth, Nicaragua is
isolated Taiwan is eager to
The training was done behind
increase its influence abroad and
going in reverse.
Castro's back, according to Fuen-
has already paid for several con-
Nicaragua's population is
Argentine officials add that
gressional buildings around the
growing by 3.8 percent a year, up
Then Gorriaran Merio's rebel
world.
MONDAY, NOVEMBERO, 1995
from an annual average of 28
group attacked Argentina's mili-
percent in the 1980s, according
tary barracks of La Tablada in
to a little-noticed Inter-Ainerican
1989 - in an attack that left 39
Development Bank chart.
dead - the Cuban regime was
The reason, according to
infuriated, because Castro was
experts: The war is over, and
trying to improve Cuba's rela-
people are making more babies
tions with Argentina's young
Sounds great, if it weren't for the
democracy.
fact that the economy is not
zop
"That's one of the best-kept
growing along - at least not as
secrets of the Ochoa/de La
fast,
Guardia trials and executions,"
Fuentes said. "The Ochoa/de La
Guardia group had been catab-
lishing independent contacts
with Latin American revolution-
ary groups."
TV - MARTI - MIAMI
We will soon know more.
Fuentes will tell the full story of
the Cuban connection with Gor-
riaran Merio in his new book, in
the Jaws of the Wolf. to be pub-
lished by Norton in early 1996.
OFFICE please
500
TBF:
THE WHITE HOUSE
RECENT
Office of the Press Secretary
CUBA
ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT ON CUBA
THE PRESIDENT: I want to speak with you today about my Administration's
plans to press forward with our efforts to promote a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba.
A little more than a month ago, I took steps to stop the dangerous and illegal flow of Cubans
attempting to enter the United States by sea. I want to report to you on the results of these
steps and why I believe it was the right thing to do. But first, let me be clear: our
commitment to a better future for the Cuban people remains as strong as ever.
Throughout our hemisphere, a powerful wave of democracy is bringing new
respect for human rights, free elections and free markets. Thirty-four of the 35 countries in
this region have embraced democratic change. Only one nation resists this trend: Cuba.
Cuba's system is at a dead end -- politically, economically and spiritually. The
Castro regime denies Cubans their most basic rights. They cannot speak freely. They cannot
organize to protest. They cannot choose their own leaders. At the same time, economic
collapse threatens the well-being of every man, woman and child in Cuba.
The pressure of our embargo and the withdrawal of Soviet support have forced
Cuba to adopt some economic measures of reform in the last two years. We haven't seen that
before. But economic change remains slow, stubborn and painfully inadequate. The denial of
basic rights and opportunities has driven tens of thousands of Cubans to desperation.
In the summer of 1994, thousands took to treacherous waters in unseaworthy
rafts, seeking to reach our shores; an undetermined number actually lost their lives. In
response, I ordered Cubans rescued at sea to be taken to safe haven at our naval base at
Guantanamo and, for a time, in Panama. But this could not be a long-term solution. Last
fall, I ordered that the young, the old and the infirm and their immediate families be admitted
to our country. Thousands entered the United States in this way. Still, that left tens of
thousands of young men at Guantanamo who were becoming increasingly frustrated and
desperate. Senior United States military officials warned me that unrest and violence this
summer were likely, threatening both those in the camps and our own dedicated soldiers.
But to admit those remaining in Guantanamo without doing something to deter
new rafters risked unleashing a new, massive exodus of Cubans -- many of whom would
perish seeking to reach the United States. To prevent that situation and to settle the migration
issue, I took action. The Cuban rafters who were brought to Guantanamo last summer will be
admitted to the United States, except those found to be inadmissible under U.S. law. Those
Cubans rescued at sea while illegally trying to enter the United States will be taken back to
Cuba. Under our generous program of legal immigration, 20,000 Cubans from Cuba will be
allowed to enter and reside in the United States every year from now on. And we will
continue to provide assistance to Florida to help resettle those Cuban migrants.
I know that many of you have questions about aspects of this policy. Yet, the
simple truth is that there is no realistic alternative. We simply cannot admit all Cubans who
seek to come here. We cannot let people risk their lives on open seas in unseaworthy rafts.
And we cannot sentence thousands of young men to live in limbo at Guantanamo.
Our new policy is working. Since its beginning, on May 2nd, few Cubans
have been intercepted at sea. We cannot know how many lives have been saved by the
deterrent effect of this policy. But consider this: in May of last year, some 700 Cubans were
picked up and many others were lost at sea. Our new policy can help to avoid uncontrolled
migration and it's already saving lives.
At the same time, we are making every effort to protect those at risk in Cuba.
We will not return rafters who we believe would suffer reprisals back in Cuba. The U.S.
Interests Section in Havana is carefully monitoring those sent home, visiting each of them
individually to ensure they are not harassed. And, thanks to our legal migration programs,
over 15,000 Cubans have been approved to enter the United States since September, 1994 as
immigrants, parolees, and refugees -- that is three times more than in any previous year.
In short, the actions we took address the serious humanitarian problem at
Guantanamo, deter illegal and unsafe migration, protect political refugees and expand
opportunities for legal admission from Cuba. They serve our national interests.
Regularizing Cuban migration also helps our efforts to promote a peaceful
transition to democracy on the island. For too long, Castro has used the threat of
uncontrolled migration to distract us from this fundamental objective. With the steps I have
taken, we are now able to devote ourselves fully to our real, long-term goal.
Our policy is rooted in the Cuban Democracy Act, which I endorsed some
three years ago and which subsequently was passed the Congress with bipartisan support.
Consistent with the Act, the United States will maintain the economic embargo against the
Cuban regime. This is an important way to promote change in Cuba, and it will remain in
place until we see far-reaching political and economic reform. As provided in the Act, if
Cuba does take steps in the direction of meaningful change, we are also prepared to respond
with our own carefully calibrated responses.
The Cuban Democracy Act also calls on us to support the Cuban people in
their struggle for democracy and economic well-being. We believe that reaching out today
will nurture and strengthen the fledgling civil society that will be the backbone of tomorrow's
democratic Cuba. We will continue to help Cuba's democratic opposition, and the churches,
human rights organizations, and others seeking to exercise the political and economic rights
that should belong to all Cubans.
Throughout the Americas, dictatorships have given way to democracy. They
are following the path of reconciliation and forgiveness preached by Cuba's first Cardinal,
Jaime Ortega, during his recent visit here to the United States. Cuba will follow this course
of its neighbors. With the support of the American people and their representatives in
Congress, we can move toward our common goal of a peaceful transition to democracy in
Cuba. I hope that it will be my privilege as President to welcome a free Cuba back into the
community of democratic nations.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. memo
Richard Nuccio to Vice President re: Update on Cuba policy (2 pages)
06/13/1995
P1/b(1)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Public Liaison
Suzanna Valdez
OA/Box Number: 9445
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba File 1995 [1]
2016-0920-F
jm1907
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
The Cuban American Constituency
The Cuban-American constituency represents 7 to 10% of the Florida electorate. Although most
require or use social services that can be attributable to Democratic party, they tend to vote on what
a candidate says on Cuba policy not how he/she stands on social issues.
Strategy
It would be wise to wait before commenting on our Cuba policy, in case more deals are struck with
the Cuban government. Once this is settled, we can begin working on rebuilding some Cuban-
American support.
Polling. Conduct polling in at least two intervals, three months apart to establish the true mood of
the constituency (silent majority). This will help us analyze the extent and location of support for
our policies in the community.
Repatriation Policy. If overall Cuba policy is not to change (i.e., no softening of the embargo),
then we can return to the community and begin to make the argument that by returning openly
disenfranchised Cubans back to the island, we are putting an enormous amount of pressure on the
regime to enact policies that will satisfy a frustrated population that now has no escape valve to the
U.S.. So, in fact, our repatriation policy adds pressure to the regime which is what the community
says it wants.
Cuban Immigration. Immigration opponents need to be reassured this agreement ends the threat of
another uncontrolled Cuban mass migration. The Administration must show that this measure was
enacted to take control of our borders vis-a-vis Cuba and that although Cubans will be coming to the
U.S. (in large numbers), it will be done in a legal, safe, orderly fashion that will allow resettlement
throughout the country, minimizing impact on any one state.
Clinton Platform. Sell the Clinton platform and how it helps lower-income families. While this
may be a long shot, it will be important for us to at least to try to move the argument away from the
Cuban issue. It may reinforce our position with our supporters younger Cuban-American voters who
seem to be less motivated by Cuba issues than their parents.
Money Issues. These measures have to be explained as money saving. By divesting ourselves of
GTMO migrant operations, the DoD (and U.S. taxpayers) save more than $1 million dollars each
day, plus an additional $100 million earmarked for camp improvements.
Specific Strategies In Florida
Dade County. It is obvious that if Clinton is to win Dade County in 1996, the majority of support
will need to come from non-Hispanic/Cuban-Americans The shift in Cuba policy can be used to
show that the President's concern for the economic issues facing the county supersedes the concerns
of the minority. Supporting this point, a USA TODAY poll conducted by Spanish-language station
WLTV found that while two-thirds of Dade County Hispanics are opposed to the policy, three-
fourths of the black and non-Hispanic whites support it. Dade County will not be won on the basis
of our Cuba policies alone, but rather the President's track record with the constituencies.
Background
President Clinton has politically courted the Cuban-American community
aggressively since the 92 campaign. This approach was done in two phases: first to a
small group of Cuban-American Democrats who supported the Clinton/Gore ticket with
substantial financial contributions and then secondly, a community wide outreach
intended to build on the 20% Cuban-American voter support garnered in the election
(Dukakis/Bentson received 8%).
Clinton/Gore made large inroads into the community when then candidate Clinton
endorsed the Torrecelli Amendment (aka. Cuban Democracy Act) which President Bush
was wavering on. We had been continuously working, rather successfully, to expand our
political base in the Cuban-American community in Miami when the rafter crisis of the
summer of 1994 struck. While our decision to send Cuban rafters to USNB Guantanamo
eroded some public support for the administration, our unilateral imposition of sanctions
prohibiting the sending of remittances to Cuba by US based family members (estimated
$500 million yearly) and suspension of charter flights from the US held our political base
and gave us a platform to defend our policies. As the rafter situation in Guantanamo
continued without any resolution, our base began to weaken putting the administration in
a vulnerable position of either unilaterally allowing the rafters into the US and risking the
ire of the growing anti-immigration forces in Florida or allowing them to indefinitely sit
in limbo at the naval base, an untenable option that was expensive, dangerous and in the
long-run politically damning.
Now that the decision has been made based on immigration concerns, we should take
every opportunity to rebuild the lost support for the administration. Since we have not
wavered on our position towards the embargo, we should espouse our long standing
support for this main pillar of Cuban-American concerns.
Questions
We told media and friends that we were not reversing our policy.
We looked our state opinion leaders in the eyes.
The Administration now has no credibility in Florida..
Emergency measure.
There are ways to do this.
Hold hearings on board Coast Guard cutter. Assess if they have valid. I have been
jailed 3 times = Political Asylum.
President: My first responsibility to the citizens of the United States.
State of Florida for the past 35 years.
We spoke to Cubans in 1994
"Republic of Cuba" us recognizing them as a legal country.
This could have been well done.
The 25,000 never were coming - now are coming.
When I said they were not consulted but informed.
We met on Monday at 12:30 and informed him.
Sell it now before it is defined.
Now turn to people we trust.
We have solved an immigration porblem.
This is a reasonable forward thinking proposal.
We lost our credibility that Castro would not dictate our foreign policy.
We must reinforce that we have not changed our policy.
Those that are blasting us have lost our cottage industry.
Questions
The President said we would not allow anyone to come in - what has changed?
When did we negotiate this with Cuba?
How do they get directly from Guantanamo to Miami?
Is it purely for riot potential reasons?
Who pays for them to come?
How do we respond to Helms when he condemns this?
What does it mean to repatriate?
How does it violate human rights agreements?
What is Senator Gramm willing to do?
Name to create aposition
Com ldrs.
dismayed secret negotiations
RIGHT POLICY - WRONG PROCESS
Questions
The President said we would not allow anyone to come in - what has changed?
When did we negotiate this with Cuba?
How do they get directly from Guantanamo to Miami?
Is it purely for riot potential reasons?
Who pays for them to come?
How do we respond to Helms when he condemns this?
What does it mean to repatriate?
How does it violate human rights agreements?
What is Senator Gramm willing to do?
Name a task force to come up with a comprehensive plan that deals with the settling of
policy.
We are the police forces of Castro
create a team
BAY of PIGS #2
DENS TRADE us IN
TARNOFF SAID THEY WERE -
SECRET NEGOTIATIONS
Talking Points: Burton Bill
The Administration has completed a thorough review of the
Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (Burton bill,)
and has sent a letter to HIRC Chairman Gilman conveying our
position on the bill.
There are aspects of the bill we can support. These
include making the embargo more effective, accelerating
planning for assistance to Cuba under a transition or
democratic government, and protecting the property
interests of Americans abroad.
As the President has stated, we believe the Cuban Democracy
Act provides the necessary framework to pursue our central
goal of promoting a peaceful transition to democracy in
Cuba, but we are ready to work with the Congress to discuss
ways in which we can build on this policy.
strengthen
As currently drafted, some of the bill's provisions would
not effectively advance our ability to further a peaceful,
rapid transition to democracy in Cuba.
Our first concern is to ensure that legislation not
infringe upon the President's authority under the
Constitution to conduct foreign policy, nor on his
flexibility to respond appropriately to evolving situations.
A number of the bill's provisions could conflict with
broader U.S. interests, including our compliance with major
international trade agreements (GATT/WTO and NAFTA), our
arms control cooperation with and support for democracy in
Russia, and could be difficult to defend under
international law.
We believe there may be more effective ways than those the
bill provides for to protect American property interests in
Cuba, and create incentives for a future Cuban Government
to provide compensation for, or restitution of, U.S.
properties that were confiscated by Castro. We do not want
to arouse concerns among Cubans on the island that their
interests will be ignored.
We hope that members of the committee share our interest in
balancing our desire to do as much as possible to promote
peaceful, democratic change in Cuba with our international
commitments and other interests abroad.
We believe our concerns can be resolved through
consultation.
We are pleased with a number of the changes that were made
to the bill during the Sub-committee mark-up, especially
the endorsement of our Track II efforts to reach out to the
Cuban people in Section 110,
We would look forward to meeting with sponsors to discuss
the proposed legislation.
Talking Points for Meeting with Florida Friends and Supporters on Cuba
The main complaint that members of the core group are going to have is that this radical
policy without their input number one and number two and they were advised without sufficient
notice for them to be prepared the community in which they are leaders. they will express from
the beginning of the refugee crisis in 1994 their advice has been ignored and the actions taken
have exacerbated the problem on an on-going basis mad the President look disingenuous and
erratic. They will stress the point that four immediate actions must be taken in order to stop the
demonstrations in South Florida and begin rebuilding the trust and support of the Cuban-
American community in the United States. They will most likely voice some of the demand of
the Cuban-American leadership in South Florida:
That the President express unequivocally that there will be no further secret
discussions with government of Castro.
That Mort Halperin be fired or removed from overseeing Cuban policy from inside
the NSC.
That American ships stop immediately going into Cuban waters and docking in
Cuban territory.
That all Cubans that are interdicted on the high seas be given an opportunity to
be screened for political asylum.
It is their belief that the President must stop shifting on Cuban policy from one extreme to the
other without direction.
They will be presenting a set of recommendations to gain the President's credibility from the
Cuba issue that might include the following:
Affirmation of blue ribbon committee
A human rights conference on Cuba
Appointments of the Board of the Cuba Broadcasting
A set of meeting between Cuban-American leaders and White House officials.
Set a recommendation for the May 20 Cuban Independence Day.
This groups will certainly voice their concern that the current situation is not an immigration
issue and has negatively affected the President on all sides because it is bad policy and bad
politics. They feel frustrated that after the Administration has done so much for the state of
Florida (i.e., the Summit, the Southcom) the irrational actions of the last few days has alienated
everyone in this state. It is the belief that the White residents of the state are upset that the
20,000 Cubans will be coming from Guantanamo after the President of the United States has said
that they wouldn't and the Cuban-American community is upset that there were secret talks
between Clinton administration and government of Cuba after the President and his Cuban-
American supporters that would not occur. They believe the secret talks where about more than
I appreciate your being here today.
While we have been in touch by phone, I wanted to have this
opportunity to talk to you directly about the President's policy
on Cuba and to hear your concerns. I recognize that there is
disappointment with the Administration for not consulting with
you before the policy became public.
It will not compensate for that lack of consultation, but I want
you to know that we were concerned about lives in conducting
these discussions so discretely and announcing them so quickly.
We feared that any leak or rumor of an impending change in
migration policy could have produced a rush of Cubans, either
onto the water or overland into Guantanamo naval base.
Once we had agreement with the Cuban government, we moved to
implement it rapidly, discouraging and disappointing many of you,
but ensuring that as few risks to innocent lives as possible
would result.
I also want to make it clear that there are no secret agreements
between the United States and Cuba about migration or any other
issues. We always conduct private negotiations. But we have
committed publicly to reveal the results of those negotiations
and we have met that commitment. The agreement signed and
published on September 9, 1994 and the joint statement insued by
Cuba and the United States on May 2, 1995 are what we have agreed
to with Cuba.
This Administration wants to see peaceful, democratic change in
Cuba and we believe we have a plan, the Cuban Democracy Act, to
produce it. The President needs your help to achieve that goal.
I'm eager to hear your thoughts about where we find ourselves now
and how we can strengthen our position in the coming months.
Thank you.
Texas -
Norma Cantu (Assistant Secretary, Department of Education)
Pedro Garza (Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of
Commerce)
Margarita Roque (Executive Secretariat, Department of
Transportation)
Choco Mesa (Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Housing
and Urban Development)
Eva Plaza (Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice)
Rick Hernanday, counsel, SBA
Massachusetts NJ/NY Alex Padriguy
Dept. Trans.
622-0410
title
blefs
06/16/95
16:16
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
003
Congress of the United tates
buse of spresentatives
lasbington, BC 20515
June 16, 1995
¿'
Mr. Charles A. Bowsher
Comptroller General
General Accounting Office
Washington, D.C. 20540
Dear Mr. Bowsher:
The sudden resignation of Richard Lobo as Director of the U.8.
Information Agency's (USIA) Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB)
raises several disturbing questions with respect to possible
political interference in Radio and TV Marti operations.
For many months, we have been concerned by serious allegations
regarding politicisation, misconduct, and abuse of power in the
USIA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) with respect to OCB.
Specifically, these concerns involve contacts between USIA's OIG
and members of Rep. John Conyers' office, pressure by OIG regarding
OCB personnel decisions, harasement of OCB managers, and political
interference in USIA reorganization plans for OCB. Accordingly, we
are hereby requesting that your office conduct an immediate
investigation into USIA OIG activities vis-a-vis OCB.
In particular, we request that the GAO investigate the
activities and events which led to Mr. Lobo's resignation.
We also request that your agency investigate interference by
the OIG in the OCB reorganization plan approved on two occasions by
USIA Director Duffey. This reorgenization included, among other
things, the elimination of the Office of Research Analytical Unit,
and other cost-saving measures. This reorganization plan has yet
to be implemented.
We believe the repeated delays in implementation of the
approved OCB reorganization plan and ongoing harassment of OCB by
the OIG and Members of Congress who for ideological reasons oppose
the existence of oca, has resulted in the waste of taxpayer funds
and has improperly affected the Congressionally-mandated mission of
OCB.
We look forward to your immediate attention = this matter and
*** available to meet with you.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Diss-Balart
Chris Smith
Ileana Ros-Lahtinen
06/16/95
16:15
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
002
Congress of the United tates
Juse of spresentatibes
Binshington, DC 20515
June 16, 1995
Dr. Joseph Duffey
Director
U.S. Information Agency
302 Fourth Street, S.W.
Room 800
Washington, D.C.
Dear Dr. Duffey:
The recent resignation of Richard Lobo as Director of the
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) raises several disturbing
questions with respect to possible politionl interference in Radio
and TV Marti's operations. As you know, Richard Lobo is - highly
respected professional whose departure from OCB sparks concern as
to the reasons and motives behind his sudden resignation.
For many months, we have been concerned by serious allegations
regarding politicization, misconduct and abuse of power, and
political interference in the U.S. Information Agency's (USIA)
Office of Inspector General (OIG) with respect to OCB.
Specifically, these allegations involve contacts between USIA's OIG
and members of Rep. John Conyers' office, OIG pressure on OCB
personnel decisions, OIG harassment and intimidation of OCB
managers, and OIG's political interference in OCB.
Accordingly, we are requesting mn immediate GAO investigation
into the USIA's OIG activities vis-a-vis OCB. We are requesting
that this investigation include any and all participation of USIA
officials in the actions taken. by the OIG. We are further
requesting that the GAO investigate any possible relationship
between your decision-making on OCB's reinventing plan and OIG
activity. Finally, we are requesting that the GAO investigate any
and all activities in USIA which may have contributed to Mr. Lobo's
decision to resign. This will include any attempt by USIA
management to perpetuate or ignore any waste of taxpayer funds in
OCB's Research Department.
Sincerely,
Member Lincoln of Congress Balart Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Congress Cluin Member Chris Smith of Smith Congress
06/20/95 12:21
4
001
United States Department of State
Bureau of Inter-American Affairs
FAX COVER SHEET
Washington, D.C. 20520-6258
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
BUREAU OF INTER-AMERICAN AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FAX: 202-647-0344
Date: June 20,195
TO: Susanna Valdez
FAX: 456-6218
FROM:
RICHARD A. NUCCIO
OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY ALEXANDER WATSON
PHONE: 647-7024
Number of pages including this cover:
3
REMARKS:
If there are problems with this fax transmission, please
call ARA 202-647-9227.
002
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Alexis Herman
Harold Ickes
FROM:
Richard A. Nuccio
RE:
Release of President's Video Taped Message on Cuba
DATE:
6/19/95
Issue for Decision
That the President's video-taped message on Cuba, recorded late last
month, bc released the week of June 19, preferably by Wednesday, June 21. A
decision to release the tape should be accompanied by steps to inform targeted
media outlets, such as the Spanish language media in general and Cuban
American talk radio in particular; key Congressional contacts; and the
President's Cuban American Democratic supporters.
Discussion
I have reviewed the transcript of the President's taped message from last
month and believe it is still viable. At the time it was recorded, no new rafters
had been picked up and the President could have claimed unmitigated success
for his policy decision of May 2. Unfortunately, since the tape was made two
subsequent groups of rafters have been picked up and returned to Cuba.
However, in the tape itself the President only claims that fewor" rafters have
been picked up in May and compares this to last year when more than 700 rafters
were picked up. This comparison still makes sense even though we are now in
June. We are more than half way through the month and have so far picked up
only 29 rafters compared to more than 1,000 last June. We should review the
transcript again just before it is released to ensure that no new events have
developed to contradict the tape.
Follow-through
The tape will be aimed at and be of interest to the Cuban American
communities in Florida and New Jersey. 1 would expect that the tape will be
featured prominently in Miami's Spanish language radio, TV, and print media.
Because the Spanish networks Univision and Telemundo are both based in
Miami the President's message will probably also receive extensive coverage in
the Latin American and Caribbean region and in other Spanish language
markets. The White House press office should prepare a list of the target media
and inform them as soon as we know the release day and time.
06/20/95
12:22
003
2
Interested Members of Congress have criticized the failure to consult with
them about new initiatives as well as about the content of the decisions. Critics
of the President's policy should not find anything in the President's message to
change their minds about the policy. But if we don't let them know that the
video is coming, they will have another pretext for criticism. We should also
similarly inform the President's closest supporters in the Cuban American
community since they specifically requested a Presidential statement on Cuba.
Depending on his current relations with the White House we should give special
attention to Congressman Mcnendez, perhaps offering him a transcript of the
tape when it is about to be released and asking if he would recommend
particular media outlets in the New York metropolitan area.
06/26/95
16:25
001
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
FAX COVER SHEET
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
BUREAU OF INTER-AMERICAN AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FAX: 202-647-0344
Date: 6/26
Brean
TO:
FAX: 207-456-6218
Sizanna Valdey
FROM:
RICHARD A. NUCCIO
SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT AND
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CUBA
PHONE: 647-7024
Number of pages including this cover: 5
REMARKS: 8 rese are for Senator's
use only I hey should not
be copied on distibuted
to his audience
Rd
If there are problems with this fax transmission, please
call ARA 202-647-9227.
06/26/95
16:25
002
bals of U.S. Cuba Policy
The U.S. seeks a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba,
evidenced by respect for human rights, free and fair
elections, and economic freedom and open markets.
U.S. policy is guided by the bipartisan Cuban Democracy Act
of 1992 which has two key elements: to deny legitimacy and
resources to the regime through the comprehensive economic
embargo; and to support the Cuban people through private
humanitarian aid, improved communications and an enhanced
flow of ideas and information. As provided in the Act, we
are prepared to respond to significant reforms with
carefully calibrated measures.
--
Since the Act, we have authorized over $70 million in
medicine, food and humanitarian supplics to NGOS in
Cuba. Direct telephone service began last November.
Cuban Economic Reforms, Human Rights
We continue to believe strongly that the embargo is the
best leverage we have to promote change in Cuba, and that,
particularly in the years since Soviet support to Cuba
ended, it is working. Economic measures which would have
been unthinkable a few years ago are being tolerated, with
other, potentially more significant changes reportedly
under consideration.
--
In 1993 the Cuban government began adopting tentative
measures which have included legalization of the
dollar and of tightly circumscribed self-cmployment,
and the establishment of agricultural and
industrial/craft markets. The government has also
aggressively courted foreign investment, something it
previously considered anathema.
0
While more fundamental reforms are necessary to improve
Cuba's future prospects, the island's essential problem
remains the lack of political freedoms and respect for
human rights.
Our information is that the human rights situation in Cuba
remains deplorable, even as the regime implements piecemeal
economic reforms. Castro appears to be pursuing a modified
"China model, allowing limited economic liberalization
while fully maintaining his regime's repressive political
policies.
Pressed by a French human rights organization, the
Cuban government released six political prisoners on
medical grounds in May, including well-known
06/26/95
16:26
1
003
-2-
dissidents Sebastian Arcos and Yndamiro Restano.
While we welcome their release, this is a small step
considering that Cuban activists claim that more than
2,000 persons remain imprisoned for their political
beliefs and others are still being arrested.
:
Between May 13 and May 16 Cuban state security agents
detained 15 members of the Partido Pro Derechos
Humanos de Cuba (PPDHC or "Human Rights Party of
Cuba") in three provinces. Eleven of the 15 were
released the same day, with charges of disseminating
"enemy progaganda" or "illegal association" filed; one
was held for four days without charges; the remaining
three remain in detention on "enemy propaganda"
charges. At the time of the arrests, state security
agents searched the activists' homes, seizing reports
of human rights violations and equipment.
Three members of the Cuban human rights group Frente
Maximilio Gomez were detained by state security May
19 20.
A Protestant minister, Rev. Orson vila, was arrested
in Camaguey province on May 24 and tried the same day
for "disobedience" and "illegal meeting." He was
sentenced to 23 months imprisonment (since reduced on
appeal to 18 months). Eighty "houses of worship"
belonging to Rev. Vila's "Words of Life" Pentecostal
church were shut down.
The Castro regime has been attempting to project an image
of greater openness and cooperation with the international
community on human rights. Based on these recent events,
however, it would appear that the regime remains as
determined as ever to arrest and prosecute on state
security grounds members of independent organizations it
considers to pose a threat.
Helms/Burton Bill
0
The Administration communicated on April 28 its position to
the Congress on the proposed Cuban Liberty and Democratic
Solidarity Act (the Helms/Burton bill). There are aspects
of the bill we support, such as those making the embargo
more effective, planning for assistance to a transition or
democratic government, and protecting American property
interests in Cuba. We are concerned, however, that a
number of the bill's provisions could conflict with broader
interests, including our compliance with international
trade agreements, such as GATT/WTO and NAFTA. We hope to
work with the bill's sponsors to modify such provisions.
06/26/95
16:27
004
-3-
J.S.-Cuban Migration Accords; Monitoring Returned Migrants
We support safe, orderly and lawful migration in order that
lives are not put at risk by unsafe departures.
0
Since our September 9, 1994 agreement to accept a minimum
of 20,000 Cuban migrants per year, 22,116 had been approved
as of June 16; 16,353 of these count toward the 20,000
annual minimum.
--
As of June 21, 16,974 Cuban migrants were in safe
haven at Guantanamo. 14,406 Cubans have been paroled
into the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.
The May 2 joint U.S.-Cuban agreement was negotiated to
prevent another uncontrolled and dangerous migrant outflow
from Cuba and to provide a responsible, humanitarian
solution for the unsustainable situation of the Cubans in
Guantanamo.
Migrants intercepted at sea attempting to enter the
U.S. and Cubans entering Guantanamo illegally will be
returned to Cuba. The Cuban government has committed
to take no action against them.
:
Ample safeguards remain for Cubans who have a
well-founded fear of persecution. Migrants
intercepted at sea are seen by Spanish-speaking U.S.
immigration officers trained in asylum law, who
evaluate any statements the migrants may make
regarding a need for protection. Returned migrants
are advised on the availability of existing mechanisms
for legal migration, including our in-country refugee
program.
Under the September 1994 migration accord this
program, one of only three the U.S. operates in the
world, has been significantly expanded. In the first
year of implementation of the accord, we expect to
issue 7,000 refugee documents; previously the annual
total was around 3,000.
The May 2 Joint Statement built on the September 1994
accord with Cuba to further regularize migration relations
between the two countries. These migration agreements
stand alone. As Under Secretary of State Peter Tarnoff
stated to the Congress on May 18, "It would be a mistake to
encourage hope on the part of the Cuban government that
there has been a change in overall U.S. policy toward Cuba."
06/26/95
16:27
005
-4-
We are determined to provide sufficient U.S. personnel,
both regular and temporary staff, to monitor the Cuban
Government's compliance with its commitment in the May 2
joint statement. We are in constant touch with the U.S.
Interests Section in Havana to make sure that they have the
resources needed.
0
So far five teams of two U.S. Interests Section and
temporary duty officials have been used to visit the four
groups of migrants returned under the May 2 accord in their
home areas. Several of these migrante have already also
visited the U.S. Interests Section since their return and
held discussions there with U.S. officials. Additional
teams will be sent to Cuba when warranted by the number of
returnees.
The State Department has received assurances from the
Castro regime that U.S. officers in charge of checking on
repatriated Cubans are able to freely move around the
island. so far, U.S. officers have been able to perform
their monitoring functions without restrictions or
difficulties.
Two of the 51 migrants the U.S. has returned to Cuba since
May 2 have made credible claims that they have been
harassed since returning home. One migrant appears to have
been beaten by local police. He reported to U.S. interests
Section officers that a Cuban state security official
intervened to stop the assault and later advised police
that he was not to be bothered further.
-- The Principal Officer of the U.S. Interests Section
made our concerns known about this case at the highest
levels of the Cuban government. The Cuban government
has acknowledged that a mistake was made and has
assured us that this incident will not be repeated.
--
A second migrant has been fired from his position as a
university professor. Again, we have made our
concerns known at the highest level of the Cuban
government. The Cuban government told us that the man
will be offered a different, but similar position,
commensurate with his education, and with the same
salary and benefits.
0
The U.S. Government takes accusations of harassment
seriously. We intend to hold the Cuban government to its
pledge not to harass or otherwise prejudice migrants
returned to Cuba.
06/28/95
10:15
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
001
The following is a translation of an article which appeared in
the June 28 edition of DIARIO LAS AMERICAS under the masthead on
the front page:
CLINTON INSISTS HE WILL NOT CHANGE HIS POLICY TOWARDS THE
GOVERNMENT IN HAVANA
The White House released a recording, supposedly directed at
the Cuban exile community, in which president Bill Clinton
explains his administration's policy towards Cuba.
" As has been the case for more than thirty years (our
policy) is intended LO produce a peaceful transition to
democracy," says the president in the video which was recorded
four weeks ago, at the direction of Richard Nuccio and other
advisors.
With the exception of his insistence that the change in the
policy really isn't change, the President did not offer new
information or explanations in his message. He repeated that the
fundamental basis of policy towards Cuba is the Cuban Democracy
Act, popularly known as the Torricelli Bill, and that the United
States will maintain the embargo in agreement with the law.
Clinton made no reference to the Helms-Burton bill.
In concordance with the law, the president said that the
government is in contact with leaders of the opposition,
churches, human rights organizations, and "others who fight for
political and economic rights (in Cuba) as our best alliec in the
endeavor to promote political change."
With regard to the rafters, he said that there was no other
alternative to what was done and that the U.S. could not absorb
all of those who wished to flee Cuba. Hc insisted that everyone
could be sure that no Cubans who the U.S. considered at risk for
reprisal upon repatriation, would be sent back: "For too long
Castro has used the threat of uncontrolled immigration to
distract us from our fundamental objective, which is the peaceful
transition to democracy in Cuba," said the president. Continuing
the new practice, after the change that is said not to be change,
the president spoke in terms of immigration and not exile in
reference LU the Cubans who try to escape the island. He again
spoke of carefully "calibrated responses" to political and
economic reforms in Cuba.
Well placed sources in Washington informed DIARIO LAS
AMERICAS that some advisors to President Clinton did not agree
with releasing this message, for fear that it would be seen as an
insult to the exile community, but that Samuel Berger and Morton
Halperin, both of the NSC, insisted it would serve to promote
Nuccio's image among exiles.
Nuccio once traveled frequently to Miami accompaning Dennis
Hayes to meet with exile leaders of the Hispanic press, but since
the announcement of the White House's new policy towards the
tyranny of Castro on May 2, Nuccio has not answered the calls of
this paper, nor those of various Hispanic stations in Miami,
Sources also say that this message could be of some use to a
recognized group of Cubans affiliated with the Democratic Party,
who have contributed large amounts of money to Clinton's
06/28/95
10:16
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
002
presidential campaign and are consulted every so often regarding
Cuban issues.
Without doubt the recording sends a message to the Cuban
government that, now that the president has told the exile
community about the new policy, although he denies it is new, the
policy will not be changed. The policy was reached in secret
negotiations between both governments. On many occasions,
members of the administration denied that these secret
negotiations existed until Attorney General Janet Reno announced
the changes on May 2, 1995.
President Clinton finished the recording with the old
assertion, familiar to many Cuban exiles, that he wants to be the
President who welcomes Cuba into the community of democratic
nations.
OPERATIONS & REG. MNGT ID:202-482-6021
MAY 12'95
16:27 No. 018 P.01
FAX COVER SHEET
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
14TH & CONSTITUTION AVENUE, N.W., ROOM 5063
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20230
(202) 482-1015 (TELEPHONE)
(202) 482-6021 (FAX)
To:
Suzana Valdez
Telephone:
Fax:
456-6218
From:
Elio Mullev
Number of pages including fax cover sheet:
Message:
OPERATIONS & REG. MNGT ID:202-482-6021
MAY 12'95 16:28 No.018 P.02
CUBAN-AMERICAN APPOINTEES' CUBA POLICY REVIEW PROPOSAL
PREPARED FOR THE PRESIDENT BY:
Elio Muller, Jack Otero, Nelson Reyneri
The purpose of this proposal is to express the personal
opinion of the above Cuban-American Appointees of the
administration to the President. The recommendations expressed
herein do not reflect the position or policy of any of the
agencies or Departments in which the appointees are employed.
Some aspects of this proposal pertain to how the White House
should respond to the immediate Policy/Political crisis. The
totality of this proposal is directed toward a proactive and
sustainable Cuba policy.
I. WHITE HOUSE STAFF INFRASTRUCTURE
The White House must confront the fact that Cuba policy is a
strange combination of foreign policy, immigration policy,
domestic policy, and political policy. More high level advisors
should be added to the staff that is dealing with this set of
issues. To date, NSC, Justice Department, and State Department
have been driving the policy with Public Liaison, and Political
Affairs being brought in for valiant efforts of last minute
damage control. Cuban-Americans in the administration, Rep. Bob
Menendez NJ (D), and Cuban-American Democrat political friends
have not been consulted. Political and crosscurrent issue
considerations must be front loaded in order to have a more
proactive and sustainable policy. Some of the White House staff
and advisors that we recommend be added to the team are; Vice
President, A1 Gore, Mark Geran, Kathy Jurado, Ron Scheman, Rep.
Bill Richardson, and Rep. Bob Menendez.
II. SHORT-TERM POLICY ACTION STEPS
1. Announce support and visibly advocate for passage of the
Menendez Bill. This an all "carrots" bill with the incentives
for homegrown transition to democratic reforms in Cuba. This is
a proactive response to the Helms Bill.
2. Give a proper accounting of the president's firm and
aggressive policy record on Cuba. President Clinton has taken
the toughest steps for a meaningful isolation of Cuba's regime.
Lets get him credit for it.
3. Attack the Republican House vote to eliminate Radio and
TV Marti. Have the president loudly restate his support for the
Office of Cuba Broadcasting.
4. Remind the Cuban-American Community that they send more
than $700,000,000.00 per year to Cuba. This makes them the
largest source of hard currency to the Castro Regime.
5. Be prepared to respond decisively to any violation of the
immigration accord by the Cuban regime. (Exit Strategy)
III. LONG-TERM POLICY ACTION STEPS
1. Maintain a mechanism for receiving and imputing advise
from the Cuban-American appointees, and the political core group.
2. Develop a sustainable Cuba policy with pragmatic,
proactive, and progressive strategies.
MEMORANDUM FOR ALEXIS HERMAN
FROM:
SUZANNA VALDEZ
DATE:
JUNE 6, 1995
SUBJECT:
PHONE CALL AND CUBA
Since the scheduling proposal for the President was rejected, I have corresponded with Jack
Quinn and David Strauss in the Vice President's office about his participation in the National
Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) conference scheduled for June 22-24 in
Austin, Texas. I believe the Administration needs to participate for the following reasons:
We are currently having a problem with lack of visibility in the Hispanic
community.
Elected officials from California, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Texas
will be attending. Most of this group feels that they have not been touched
since the campaign. We need their help in securing the '96 base
If the President does a satellite message, it will cost NALEO $10,000. They
would rather pay for the Vice President to travel to Austin.
I think you should speak with them about securing the Vice President.
I would also like to express my opinion that the President should not do a video message on
Cuba policy because it makes him appear weak and on the defensive.
JUN- 7-95 WED 15:19 USA
P.01
To:
Mrs. Suzanna Valdez
Fax:
202-456-6218
From:
Jorge L. Bolanos
Date:
June 7, 1995
Pages:
1 page(s) including this page.
The International Republican Institute has formed a "Cuba
Transition Team" headed by Jeb Bush. This group will
meet quarterly to discuss Cuba related issues. Some of the
members include Otto Reich, Tom Cox, Amb. Jeane
Kirkpatric and Clayton Yeutter. Call me to discuss this
further. Maybe we should create a counterpart through the
DLC..?
fax
Jorge
from the desk of...
Jorge L. Bolanos
President, CEO
Mivia/Nova Corp.
5870 SW 8th St. Suite 7
Miami, Florida 33144
305-261-2600
Fax: 305-262-0080
BRIEFING FOR ALEXIS HERMAN
FROM:
SUZANNA VALDEZ
DATE:
JUNE 13, 1995
RE:
CONGRESSMAN BOB MENENDEZ
Important points regarding Congressman Menendez:
*
We can not win NJ without Hudson County (Menendez' district). Although Congressman
does not need the support of the Cuban Americans, he continually seeks their backing
because he is Cuban.
*
Is the only Cuban Democrat in Congress. Congressman Menendez is not monolithic like
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Congressman Lincoln-Diaz Ballart.
*
Has continuously supported the President. Congressman Menendez has a strong voting
record with the President.
Congressman Menendez and Cuba:
*
Knows this issue more than anyone at State or in the White House. Congressman
Menendez has incredible insight into every aspect of this issue.
*
Also very well regarded in Miami. Congressman Menendez is respected by all Cuban
exile leadership.
*
Had a bill regarding Cuba that the he felt the White House ignored. Congressman
Menendez' bill is being incorporated into the Helmes-Burton Bill. He will likely ask
for our support.
Perspective from Congressman Menendez:
*
Has been working toward the Administration's objectives, and in the best interest of
the President.
-call Alty
Sosnick mtg.
Goug- Hisp Caneus
- call Maria Radham
- call Andy
- -Budget:
- 9pm
- intro amendments
- - list
not a legis proposal
Opldrs (10) to 80 to medi a
Dal budget 10yrs
vs.
Faxability list
7yrs.
protecting education
tax
Rm. 450
medicare
medicaid
expaid medicare trustfund
tax deductibility for self-employed
Marilyn: 5Hispanic names
Spokespersons:
Regina Montaya
3:00pm Stere's office
Jorge Haynes
Camela lacayo
Belen Robles
Juan Andrade
Antonio gonzalez
Marty Marting
Many Mirabal
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
23-Jun-1995 10:31am
TO:
Alexis M. Herman
TO:
Ruby G. Moy
TO:
Deborah L. Fine
FROM:
Jennifer M. O'Connor
Office of The Chief of Staff
SUBJECT: Cuban American speech
Senator Ray Lesniak is a State Senator from New Jersey. He is
also the former Democratic State Party Chair in NJ. And he was a
chair of last night's NJ Clinton Gore fundraiser -- he is a huge
supporter and very important to us politically and financially in
NJ.
He called me this morning to say he was invited to and is going to
address the Cuban National Foundation (the Jorge Mas Canosa group)
next week in NJ. He would like to speak with Alexis about what to
say to them. (His district has a significant Cuban population in
NJ.)
Please let me know if Alexis can make the call to him. He can be
reached at 201 403-1100.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
26-Jun-1995 10:15am
TO:
Ruby G. Moy
fax
TO:
Suzanna Valdez
FROM:
Jennifer M. O'Connor
201- 403-
Office of The Chief of Staff
0010
SUBJECT: Senator Lesniak and Cubans
Senator Lesniak called me again this morning. I guess Alexis
hasn't called him yet. He is a key person for us in NJ and it is
important that she give him a call. PLEASE let me know if she
can't do it so that I can let him know that and not leave him
hanging.
His speech is lunch on Wednesday to the Cuban National Foundation.
He doesnt know what he wants to say -- he doesn't want to be
defending the administration unless that makes sense and he wants
to talk with Alexis about that. If he can't say anything helpful,
he won't do the speech.
He thinks there is opportunity to patch things up with the NJ
Cubans -- and he knows them very well -- he represents a large
portion of them.
PLEASE call and let me know where this is.
$FR Cuban Am
VIDEO
Joe Boad Ginertectors. of
TRANSCRIPT
Dem Finance Cowerl
06/05/1995 13:25 212-567-0098
CARLOS F PORTES
PAGE 01
DETERMINED TO BE AN
ADMINISTRATIVE MA KING
INITIALS: JAM DATE: 6/28/18
2016-0920-F
C.P. Portes
5041 Broadway New York, N.Y. 10034 [212] 567-0001
PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL
June 2, 1995
VIA FAX
Ms. Suzanna Valdez
Associate Director
Public Liaison
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Re: President Clinton's video Address on Cuba
Dear Suzanna:
Pursuant to our telephone conversation this morning
regarding the above referenced, please be advised that I
oppose said address for the following reasons:
1. The fact that demonstrations are taking place in
Washington, June 8, 1995, sponsored by the Cuban-American
National Foundation (CANF - Republicans,) and July 4, 1995,
by the Organization of Cuban Unity (Unidad Cubana -
Republicans,) should not be the reason for such video.
2. The President must not appear to be apologetic, be
placed on the defensive or appear to be on the offensive.
3. The present discord of the Cuban-American Community
relates to three specific matters.
a) Repatriation of Cubans at Sea.
b) The secret talks with Castro's Regime.
c) The perception that other agreements or
representations have been established
with the Castro Regime.
A video would send the wrong message and would create a
precedence that 18 NUL appropriate for the Presidency.
1
06/05/1995 13:25
212-567-0098
CARLOS F PORTES
PAGE
RECOMMENDATION:
During the next few days, the President will be making
various appearances throughout the Country. At one of those
appearances he should address Cuba policy.
SUGGESTIONS ON FORMAT OF TEXT:
Since my days as Governor of Arkansas, I have developed a
special relationship with the Cuban-American Community, when
I was asked by President Carter to accept at Ft. Chaffee
Cubans from the Mariel boat lift, I readily accepted in the
spirit of compassion for the plight of the Cuban people,
without allowing political conditions to determine my
decision.
During my Presidential campaign, I actively supported the
Cuba Democracy Act, which called for the strengthening of
the Embargo and the support of democracy in Cuba.
Throughout my Presidency I have remained committed and fully
support the present Embargo on Cuba.
In addressing the recent exodus, I commanded and directed
the U.S. Coast Guard to rescue and save all people
attempting to leave the Country (Cuba) in order to maintain
an orderly process and ultimate reunification of families.
We provided a Safe Haven in Guantanamo Bay.
After paroling women, children and the elderly and realizing
that the present conditions in Guantanamo could not be
maintained given the living conditions and the probable
hurricane conditions and danger to human lives at this time
of the year I authorized an Immigration Agreement that would
provide a legal and orderly parole process, preserving at
all times the concern for human lives and the best interest
of the American people.
Castro must understand that we are no longer willing to
accept and bare the responsibilities of the failure of his
Regime
I am committed to support direct assistance to the
dissidents in Cuba in order to bring true democracy LU the
Cuban people.
Dennocracy not reaching 2 Countries Korea lile Cuber
06/05/1995 13:25 212-567-0098
CARLOS F FURTES
PAGE 03
In recent days we have seen television reports showing the
deplorable conditions that the people in Cuba are presently
suffering and have suffered under Castro's Regime.
Democracy must be brought to Cuba, and my Administration
will support Dissidents/Human Rights Organizations in Cuba
and maintain the Embargo until substantial reforms are
adopted that lead to Democracy in Cuba.
CONCLUSION:
The President must not create the impression that he is
making a pressured special gesture to the Cuban-American
Community through a video address. However, he should
&
clearly define his policy towards Cuba at his earliest
convenience. In the final analysis the present policy
stands.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate in
such an important decision at such a crucial time.
Sincerely yours,
Carlos P. Portes
CC:
Samuel Berger (Deputy Asst. to the President / NSC)
Morton Halprin (Special Asst. to the President / NSC)
Richard a Nuccio (Advisor to the President/Cuba)
3
Grahan? what does that mean?
Public Coust. Tarnoff
not in Miami
a joke
Video -
Tow gertz
Lake
Bus
Civil Society + NGO's
Halph
DemisHayes
incuba
Aveno
Feinbary
Bilats -
Monthony -
abAinDeley.
1 cannot use
Miami Relocation
bars. chip
F
Article -
06/28/1995 10:55 212-5670144
THE PORTES GROUP
PAGE 02
C.P. Portes
5041 Broadway New York, N.Y. 10034 (212) 567-0001
June 28, 1995
VIA FAX
Mr. Richard A. Nuccio
Special Advisor to the President
and The Secretary of State for Cuba
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
Re: President Clinton's video address
to the Cuban-American community
June 27, 1995 - 11:00 AM
Dear Rick:
Well, the Jury is in and the Verdict is out. Regrettably,
as I predicted on June 2, 1995 and as reiterated on my memo
to you June 27, 1995, these are the reports.
1. UNIVISION (TV): 6:00 PM NEWS AND 11:00 PM NEWS
"Due to the pressure created by the Cuban-American community
President Clinton was forced to provide an apology:
2. JORGE MAS: Denounces the President's statement as:
"Rhetoric and empty. words, lacking substance or actions".
3. TELEMUNDO: President Clinton caves in to pressure from
Cuban groups, particularly the Cuban American National
Foundation apologizing for his actions. Cuban-American
leaders reject his explanation or apology and criticize his
motives.
4. RADIO AND WRITTEN PRESS: The same response.
Finally, by stating that the President directly or
indirectly supports Cardinal Ortega's position of
reconciliation has further infuriated the Cuban-American
community, which has denounced the Cardinal's position.
continued
06/28/1995 10:55
212-5670144
THE PORTES GROUP
PAGE 03
June 28, 1995
Page Two
Please, pretty please, LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE and don't stir
up this issue anymore. The community has to accept the
President's decision, no explanations are needed. the policy
is clear, let's dedicate our efforts to other aspects of the
development of the policy and ito implementation.
Sincerely,
your friend
CA
Carlos P. Portes
CC:
Morton H. Halperin
Sandy Berger
Suzanna Valdez
05/27/1995 17:37
212-5670144
THE PORTES GROUP
PAGE 02
C.P. Portes
5041 Broedwey
New York, N.Y.
10034
(212) 567-0001
June 27, 1995
VIA FAX
Mr. Richard A. Nuccio
Special Advisor to the President
and The Secretary of State for Cuba
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
Re:
President Clinton's address
Cuban-American Community
Dear Rick:
I acknowledge receipt of your fax dated June 27, 1995 and
faxed at what appears to be 7:44 AM, today.
This letter is written to express my total opposition to an
ill conceived and poor political decision.
On June 2, 1995, I was requested to express my opinion
regarding the concept of doing a video tape. At that time I
indicated in writing that this idea of a video tape did not
serve the Administration's interest.
It is absurd to advise the President to air a tape just when
things were beginning to calm down, by airing this tape now
the Administration has created a new speculation that the
President is about to change his Cuba policy once again and
is only doing this video to prepare the Cuban-American
community for said new announcement.
In closing, I had been under the impression that subsequent
to our meeting at the White House with Mr. Panetta, Mr.
Ickes, Mr. Berger and yourself, we had agreed to consult
with each other prior to any issue or actions that would
affect our respective position within the Cuban-American
community, this is not the case. In this instance and
regrettably the damage is already done, I ask myself the
following questions.
continued
06/27/1995 17:37
212-5670144
THE PORTES GROUP
PAGE 03
June 27, 1995
Page Two
1. What possible benefit does the President gain through
this action?
2. If we did not do the video immediately after the
President made the decision to return the rafters, why a
month and a half later?
3. The Cuban-American community is very suspect of the
Administration's Cuba policy, why now this video address.
4. Now that the demonstrations have subsided and the
Administration's policy decision on Cuba not reversed, why
rekindle or refuel the anger of the Cuban-American community
towards the President?
Finally, the decision exposes the President to more
criticism by the Cuban-american community, the Republican
Party and to the Democrats who feel that the President owes
no explanation on national policy decisions to a specific
group.
Once again, we'll pray to God that these ill conceived,
short term, myopic political decisions do not continue to
weaken the President's re-election efforts.
Sincerely yours,
P
Carlos P. Portes
CC:
Suzanna Valdez
Sandy Berger
/
the besie of the Cuhan Constituency in
the United states and their relationship
with our administration (or lack of
is a Challanging and complex one.
the concerns sad recommevdations
although 9 havisably agree with
or the MiAmi Core GROUP (memo of Sept16),
twe must, Itake a broader, long term
strategy texast to deal with this very strong
& active politically belive Countituency
In spite of the fact that the majority
of the Ouban Memerican Community
resides in South Honda (about 200, orr
very active registered astess - this
figure includes children born and
identified in Election Dept's roster
registrad of Derban Lanents but not
as Cubars - 3, there are lauge
packets of Oubans in California,
Illinois, new Jersey, new York. and
Texas (see attached chant).
and these THE must also be included
in any long term strategy to in
addressing the issue of Cuba
(bee
the Cuban american Community in the
United states
754-8279
2
1
Cubas americans are a fairly movolithie
Community regardless of geographic location.
about three issues: @deba .
they seem to be doccerned mostly
U.S. Foreign policy towards Cuba,
Immi gration policy towards Ouba
bud the economy although there
is a very small you and slowly
growing number of group supporting
the tasying of . seed lifting
of the embargo, and the Normalization
Thas us Cuban relations, this group
only a small following ( maybe
at best a few thousand made up
3 academics and business people.
without a well deganized or active
poli treally active constituency.
& In addressing their concerns an Concerns
on these three issues, V will start
with the easient.
/ the Ecosomy - this is our beggest
source of pride so far. asthough and
we have one that we have failed
to capitalize on within the &
have set out to identify a list of
Onhan Community of the U.S.
25 non political business and
economic leaders within each
Cuban Community of the States.
these names should be added
to our mailing list on economic
tv
issues for on gaing Communiation
Once these names have been chentified,
I would like to send a letter to
care of them gave explaing the our
scromplish and the economic
Jummist they will also this be anited list will be
Commerce tept as well as to
needs to be forwarded to the
Trade (mechy Cantor ) for a
on going contact. Rd
they will be invited to farticipate in
the summit as business leaders
and will be included in every
relates to the economy.
activity in the w. H. that
d US/Cuba Immigration policy
bethough we have no raw data
to substantiate this claim, our
fourses inviot that the majority
of C/A approve of the way the
uplux of illegal aliens. In spite
prevident handled the solential
change of policy of the Cuban
a feeling of uneasynes about
adgustment act" they were
everted masine influx 8 Cubans was
generally pleased that boother
It is difficult to explain, and
INS and protice have not been
4
the CAA was not received and
very cooperative to this end, that
(that the interdiction policy was
by the president deareng during a Crisis
an emergency measure taken
Because the new york talks there was
at the O.P.L. we were not able to
their of information we
prepare the adiad computery of time in order
to minimize speculations and
removes what has should could have been
persived as an outstanding
turned cuto a rumos tornado
vistory for the President. also
in the Cerban american Communities
that has Bippsche wreaked havoe
I have proposed in the past, and
continue to feel this is a must -
that we sring at their expense) a
invite D.C.
group of opinion makers (xon political)
from all the e/A.Communities for a
Immigration, State and Treasury.
day of Greefings that would include
these & briefings should be well
Coordinated with our office to cover
all the exiues and concerns that
are of importante to the President
Here has Deer ennymerable
croutacts with india Inal leaders
between <<< the
results have been more humans, specm-
5
lations and the believe A we are
b) the adminiabeation is @ lying tex
Negatiating with Cuba behind the seeses,
the community and we don't
know what we are doing.
explain the admistion Cuba INs
this briefing Could be used to
policy and drum up support
the issue of Detention Crups later
for the president. I were address
on this memo.
3
us Cuba Policy.-
Aeree the bay of pigs invasion, the
C/AC has mistrusted the democratie
party. although the majority of C/A bated
Awere justified when during his
for Jimmy larter in 1976, their fears
administration the Zes opened an
almost/ecutancey us Interest section in
Havana they are thoroughly convinced
that should had Juny Carter rood
rel-ilection, the lucharge would have
seen lifted and desades of politional
would have been Zoezinen. This fear
association and oprearies the
bas/been capilated and worked
to the boue by the the republisin
results. Of all Cubans who registered
harty since 1980 and with great
to vote piace then, almost so 20 has
resistered
-
6
the C/A is convinced that in spite
during the to influx Orisis,
of initial tough slep sanetions the
president and his advisors at
the NSC and State have plass
to allow Castro to get away with
normalization of relations and
Cosmetic chauges to justify the
lifting of the luchargo.
6
We must, as soon as possible (since
this appeats everything else unvail we try
to the in the CAC) come out with
a well articulated plan policy
towards auba. Ja order Bo make
this palatable to the eAC. the
and appropiately begtilighted
following issues must be included
P
apleage
1 - Clur foreign policy statement should
include that the administration
will undertake an organized / masine
effort to up molize motiline
world public opinion to londem
the Castro regione for platant
human rights violations mon we partison
Could name a special Committee
(that would enclude
Jeanne Kirk paturek ambussadar
Valladares, Paul lejas and
some
A Refre
out. immesty com
and Colombia - because they are
spain mexico, Brazil
governments Colin Paweel Canada ) most to important visit foreign
increasing their economic support
them of the current human rights
of Cuba and accurately informed
situation - Continue to any
2
Lay the groundwork for tougher
Savelions if Castro continues to
threaten us National security by
eneouraging and organizing ellegal
lutries of Cubans into the U.S.
K
Encourage sad support those who
favor a democratic transition
and lyile groups C Polands solidarity
in Cuha, including dividents
surged as carge a shot powerful apposition force
due to the maxside help it reserved
8
%
Pledge significant us and and trade
to asselerate the establishment
of a multi - party / free market
law and validated by free
democracy basel an The rule of
elections cender international
supervision
4
g. Continue to aeroalize our support
intensify within our authority
for Cuba broadcasting and
and beedget Constration intellip
broadcasts to Ouba and any
other means disability
securate information within
Channels of communiifatiors available
80 us.
Eltiese recomen Intions care being sent
to the president by a groups called
" citizens for a free Duba" headed
by the farmer president & Casta Rica
abrans. Perise these recomendating
fuis lilberts Manjes and Elliot
are very popular within the CAC.
and pase little
9
Once our foreign policy has been
and made palatable to the CAC
Illanified articulaled, slamified
we will Continue to keep the
Community informed and on track
in their support of the Presedents
with caudidate Childon stand
efforts They were very pleased
on Cuba and his subrequent
actions (including the Pleas address
to the People of Cuba Via T.V omaite
on may 20). this support has
Mishandling of the recent Crises.
been diastically croded by the
Role of the Dore Group in Flouda
the Core Group in com posed of 8 larly
supportus Defie Ian
Elexa towns
alfie Janjue Paul Cejas, Jorge Perez,
Maria Elexa torano, semon Ferro,
Jorge Bolanos, Willie Braceras and
Herminio San Roman. from the outset
there was infegiting and discent wilthy the
group and while house staffers pecked
up on defferent factions and thied
to address their conceras. Mr Fangue,
Mr Cejas and Ins taxino were supporter
Dr expanding the eace group and mos letting
Jorge mas Canada play a strong visible
role cuethin the new admiinciation
the rest of the group was adament
saw by Jung
the wanted the CANF 50
play a slowly calibrated role
which would benefit the Pres. at
Contacts and zuere affraid (later
about deluting their election power time. and
on arjustified) that if Jme was
damaging the president and
given access, this would end up
lie aprile July 1993 to bring
obstaring them. We tried early
the group togther Craig Amith, Joe
Vilasques, Reta Lever's Iwan Bagett
and I argunged the first mtq) but
match and more division Allergh
the effort ended up in 9 shouling
we have tried on several accassions
to here the breach, it has been to xo
Rail. However, as a result of the
resent mistakes made in addressing
Ctee Cuban Crisis, the have required
their initial vegar and have been
working closely together for the last
few We weeks. should not waste this opportunity
We should name one person ( will be
appropriated) to be their point of
glad to fill that role if its deemed
Contact. Breat paid 8 their freestration
the lack of a evvcdeciated effort
was Couplisting information and
what they personed to be everysisted
on the part of the White House and
role clemanded we must be
Janey in the importance their
given accurate and timely information
chacago in policy, changes in
FROM:
TO:WHITE HOUSE I.G.A.
MAY
2,
1995
5:26PM
P.02
STATE OF FLORIDA
ATH
FLORIDA
Office of the Obmernor
THE CAPITOL.
TALLAHASSEE. PLORIDA 32199-0001
LAWTIN CHILES
GO JERNOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Ron Sachs
May 2, 1995
or Jo Miglino
(904) 488-5394
Statement by
GOVERNOR LAWTON CHILES
on Clinton Administration's New Policy on Cuban Migration
"The federal government's announcement today of & new policy regarding
Cuban migration will ensure that Florida should never again confront a massive wave
of uncontrolled immigration from Cuba. In fact, the new policy requires the return
directly to Castro's Cuba of any rafters, from this point forward, and it will count these
arrivals against a limit already established. That will actively discourage illegal
immigration from Cuba and prevent the unnecessary loss of human life on a perilous
overseas voyage. The federal government should continue to monitor those who are
returned to Cuba to ensure they are not victims of persecution.
"The Administration's announcement that the remaining detainees at
Guantanamo will be admitted into the United States during the next nine months is a
difficult but necessary step in this new policy, which will protect Florida in the future.
] have insisted that any of these people resettled into Florida have both family contacts
and sponsorship to minimize the impact on our communities.
(more)
FROM:
TO:WHITE HOUSE I.G.A.
MAY 2, 1995
5:26PM
P.03
CUBAN POLICY -- Page Two
"The federal government still bears an active responsibility for these individuals
-- and I insist that appropriate resources be made available to Florida to assist in
providing for these new arrivals. The federal Immigration Emergency Fund and the
Refugee Assistance Act were established for this very purpose: and Florida should
directly benefit, in a timely manner, to obtain the necessary resources. Absent family
contacts and sponsorship, these Cubans should be resettled into states other than
Florida.
"Last summer, when I declared an immigration emergency in the face of tens of
thousands of Cuban rafters heading toward our shores, Florida compelled the federal
government to change a long-standing policy and to begin interdictions at sca. This
new policy announcement is a further indication of Washington's responsiveness to
Florida's concerns and needs.
"I understand that this new policy will concern many Floridians. While it
allows for a significant but limited number of Cubans to enter the United States, the
total number will not exceed a quota already established. A legal, orderly process is in
place for individual Cubans to seek refuge into the United States.
"I am satisfied that this new policy forces Castro's government to control
Cuba's borders. preventing hundreds of thousands of potential rafters from making
landfall in Florida. I will continue to press for immigration justice for Florida on
every possible front -- from the White House to the federal courthouse and to the halls
of the United States Congress."
###
Working Draft
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1995
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP TO OFFSET
COSTS OF RESETTLING CUBAN AND HAITIAN MIGRANTS
MIAMI, FL - - The Community Relations Service (CRS) of the
Department of Justice announced today the formation of a unique
public-private sector partnership to help in the resettlement of
Cubans and Haitians who are paroled into the United States from
Safehavens in Guantanamo and Panama.
The CRS, voluntary agencies including the United States
Catholic Conference and the Church World Service, and the Ad Hoc
Committee Family Reunification Program, are developing a plan by
which the Ad Hoc Committee will provide recently arrived Cuban
and Haitian parolees sponsorships, educational scholarships,
private health insurance and community based services such as
housing, food and employment assistance. This assistance will
help offset the impact of the new arrivals on federal, state, and
local public services.
"The offer of assistance by the Ad Hoc Committee and members
of the Cuban-American community in South Florida to the CRS and
the voluntary agencies will go a long way toward leading these
individuals on a path to becoming productive, self-supporting
2
members of the community," said Jeffrey Weiss, Acting Director of
the Community Relations Service. CRS is responsible for
resettling Cubans and Haitians who are granted parole to enter
the United States by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
This partnership will have no impact on the number of individuals
who are granted parole by the INS nor the time frame for their
entry into the United States. additionally, this partnership does
not preclude participation of other individuals) or organizations in
CRS resettlement efforts.
The AD Hoc Committee Family Reunification Program will
identify to voluntary agencies those individuals in South Florida
who have agreed to be sponsors. The sponsors and the Ad Hoc
Committee will be responsible for providing to Cuban and Haitian
migrants health insurance coverage for one year, scholarships to
private schools for children from kindergarten through 12th
grade, housing and employment assistance, and other community
based services.
Justice Draft/ Composed by Ron Tomalis (301) 492-5969
Change 1: from Jeff Weiss via telecon 1330/27 Jan
c:\ press1. doc Longoria files
U.S. Department of Justice
RIMINT
Immigration and Naturalization Service
STATE
Office of the Commissioner
425 I Street NW.
Washington, DC 20536
April 18, 1995
The Honorable Alan Simpson
Chairman, Subcommittee on
Immigration and Refugee Affairs
Senate Judiciary Committee
United States Senate
Cube
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Mr. Chairman:
As part of the Administration's ongoing effort to step up
removal of criminal aliens, the Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) this week kicked off a new program in the State of
Florida to quadruple the number of criminal alien prisoners we
deport from the state each year. I have enclosed information
about the program and news clips updating you on our Southwest
border activities.
Please do not hesitate to call me or my staff should you have
any questions.
Sincerely,
Daies Meissar
Doris Meissner
Commissioner
Enclosures
. S. Department of Justice
migration and Naturalization Service
FACT SHEET
Contact: Office of Congressional Relations (202)514-5231
April 17, 1995
Institutional Hearing Program (IHP) Enhancement - Florida
*
Increase the number of deportation hearings.
*
Establishment of a centrally located INS office in Orlando, which will
reduce travel time for INS agents to prisons.
*
Nine new investigators.
*
Eight new deportation officers.
*
Appointment of an IHP-Florida Coordinator.
*
Hearing sites reduced from seven to six.
*
Hearing sites after the enhancement:
Apalachee Correctional Institution - Region I
Union Correctional Institution - Region II
Central Florida Reception Center - Region III
South Florida Reception Center - Region IV
Broward Correctional Institution (females only) - Region IV
Charlotte Correctional Institution - Region V
*
Release sites reduced from 46 to 15.
*
Release sites after the enhancement:
Jackson Correctional Institution - Region I
Okaloosa Correctional Institution - Region I
Jefferson Correctional Institution (females only) - Region I
Columbia Correctional Institution - Region II
Florida State Prison - Region II
Union Correctional Institution - Region II
Marion Correctional Institution - Region III
,
Brevard Correctional Institution (youth only) - Region III
Florida Correctional Institution (females only) - Region III
Dade Correctional Institution - Region IV
Martin Correctional Institution - Region IV
South Florida Reception Center - Region IV
Broward Correctional Institution (females only) - Region IV
Hendry Correctional Institution - Region V
Hardee Correctional Institution - Region V
Criminal Alien Statistics:
*
Criminal aliens deported from Florida in FY 93: 225.
*
Criminal aliens deported from Florida in FY 94: 468.
Estimated criminal alien deportations from Florida in FY 95: 700.
*
Estimated criminal alien deportations from Florida in FY 96: 2,200.
Incarcerated foreign-born nationals in Florida as of 1/95: 5,504.
*
Estimated deportable foreign-born nationals in Florida as of 1/95: 4,954.
Memorandum of Understanding:
*
On April 7, 1994, the state of Florida and the INS signed a memorandum
of understanding that allows the Governor to commute the sentences of
non-violent criminal aliens who agree to be deported. Following
commutation, EOIR will issue a final order of deportation and INS will
expeditiously remove the alien from the United States.
State leads
Florida joins partnership with INS
on criminal
(From Page B-1)
75 percent of the illegal aliens we're implementing closes the loop-
when-they-completed-their-sen--]
hole
that
let
too
many
criminal
a):
deportations
state of foreign-born criminals to
tences. That delays a final decision
make room for homegrown felons.
iens out on our streets," said
on deportation for months while
Chiles.
Another initiative started last year
the illegal alien either waits in INS
Associated Press
has commuted the sentences of
custody or is released on bond.
The next step Chiles is seeking
TALLAHASSEE - Florida is con-
about 300 illegal aliens convicted of
The new agreement reduces the
would let the state send foreign fel-
sidered the national leader in re-
nonviolent offenses.
number of state release sites from
ons to federal prison.
tooling the way state and federal
As of yesterday, 281 had been de-
State and federal officials are ne-
governments handle foreign felons,
46 to 16 and the number of hearing
ported under the clémency pro-
sites from seven to six inside state
gotiating the transfer of more than
the head of the U.S. Immigration
gram with the governor and Cabi-
prisons, Meissner said. When for-
600 Cuban refugees who landed in
and Naturalization Service said yes-
net, saving the state an estimated
terday.
eign prisoners complete their
state prison after they came to
GUVERNOR'S OFF. -EXEC. Fax:904-922-4292
$13 million. In all, about 400 for-
An agreement signed yesterday
terms, their immigration status is
Florida in the Mariel boatlift in
eign criminals are eligible for the
decided. They are either deported
1980.
by INS Commissioner Doris Meiss-
early release and deportation.
ner and Gov. Lawton Chiles will ex-
or released,
Chiles said money was the major
The expedited hearing process
INS officials estimated the num-
holdup.
pand deportation hearings for for-
unveiled yesterday will resolve the
eign-born nationals housed in state
ber of foreign criminals deported
"There's some bucks attached to
immigration status of foreign pris-
prison to expedite their trip home
from Florida will quadruple from
it," he said. "If Florida asks for
oners before they complete their
once they finish their sentences.
468 last year to 2,200 next year. It
this, I'm sure other states are going
sentence,
"Florida is exercising a position
will cost $5.5 million for the expe-
to ask for it. We think it is the logi-
of national leadership in developing
Under the current system, depor-
dited hearing process.
cal, progressive step that should be
a cooperative, innovative partner-
tation cases were pending for about
"The enhanced hearing program
taken
ship with INS," Meissner said.
Florida is the first of seven states
to participate with the federal gov-
emment in the expedited hearing
process. The others are California,
Texas, New York, Illinois, Arizona
and New Jersey.
It is the latest effort by the Chiles
APR 1 8 1995)
Apr 18 '95 12:49
administration and INS to rid the
(See FLORIDA, Page B-3)
FLA. TIMES UNION
P.02/07
GOVERNOR' OFF. -EXEC. Fax 904-922-4292
Apr
18
'95
12:50
P.03/07
The Orlando Sentiner, Tuesday, April 18, 1995
Pact will speed deportation of criminals
41419 dain
other prisoners.
and 015W
By Linda Kleindienst
INS has promised to hires
migration
TALLAHASSEE BUREAU
judges, Investigators and lawyer (peed up the
process, which could lead to getti $2,260 criminals
TALLAHASSEE - Criminal immigrants taking up
deported by the end of next year
space in Florida's prisons will be shipped home at &
At any one time, there are about 5,000 criminal im
faster clip under an agreement signed by state and
migrants in Florida's prisons. The new agreement,
federal officials Monday.
however, does not address the 550 criminals who en-
"These criminal aliens came to our country illegally,
tered the United States during the Mariel boat lift.
they broke our laws, and now they must pay," said Gov.
Because the United States has no diplomatic rela-
Lawton Chiles. [He worked out the agreement with
tions with Cuba, Cuban inmates cannot be deported
Doris Meissner, commissioner of the U.S. Immigration
home.
and Naturalization Service
The state has been trying to work out an agree-
"This agreement allows us to move even more in-
ment with the Department of Justice that would at
mates through the deportation hearing process at a
least transfer Cuban prisoners into federal facilities.
much faster rate, saving our taxpayers millions and en-
'We're working on it because there are some bucks
suring these criminals will never threaten our commu-
attached to it," Chiles said.
nities again," Chiles said.
Improvements called for under the agreement
The state began expediting the deportations of non-
signed Monday include:
violent criminal immigrants last summer. The governor
Increasing the number of deportation hearings
and Cabinet initiated the deportations by allowing the
held.
inmates to get out of prison before their sentences had
Hiring 17 more agents and deportation officers.
been fully served
Establishing a tracking system to determine
Of 322 criminals who have had their sentences
where inmates are in the deportation process.
commuted, 281 already have been shipped home De-
Setting up an INS office in Orlando as a central
porting all 3225 will save the state about $13 million in
location for INS personnel responsible for the proD.
prison costs. The deportations also will free space for gram
GOVERNOR'S OFF. -EXEC. Fax 904-922-4292
Apr
18
'95
12:50
P.05/07
RIDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 18. 1995
THE HERALD
5B-
P OF NEWS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
GULF COAST
Outlaws trial starts
TALLAHASSEE
Jury selection began in the
Ruling left intact
Appeal turned down
trialiof 16 members of the Out-
The U.S. Supreme Court.
The U.S. Supreme Court
laws Motorcycle
without comment. left intact a
refused. without comment, to
Club. marking the
ruling that declared
hear two appeals by
third major attack on
the group in recent
rus County's ordinance
years; a larger-than-normal
NIL
Death Row inmate
unconstitutional Cit-
Ailcen Wuornos, a
requiring licenses for
jury pool of 200 was called for
former prostitute
nude dancing clubs and adult
the Tamps trial that includes
who has admitted killing seven
bookstores, rejecting the sher-
men in 1989. and 1990; Wuor-
murder and racketeering
iff's argument that the law did
nos is facing six death sen-
charges.
not violate free-speech rights.
tences, the most of any inmate
in Florida.
Pact should double
inmate deportations
By MARK SILVA
agreement between Chiles and
The new effort will speed up
Capital Bureau Chief
the INS. the government 1143
proceedings, Meissner said.
TALLAHASSEE -
A
been, expediting deportation
stepped-up effort to deport
hearings for hundreds of "nonvi-
More put to work
undocumented immigrants serv.
olent convicts in Florida's pris-
Now in California, Texas,
ing time in Florida's prisons
ons. These are people who com-
New York and Illinois, as well as
should double the number of
mitted crimes in: Florida after
Florida - Meissner said the INS
criminals being sent home to
entering the country without doct
is putting more people to work
their countries. federal and state
umentation. State prisons hold
on the deportations.
authorities say.
about 5,000 such convicts.
At the same time, the federal
This will mean 17 additional
government is developing a plan
None: of these deportations
investigators and hearing officers
to transfer about 650 undocu-
involve inmates who came to
working out of a new INS office
mented Cuban-born convicts
Florida in the 1980 bostlift from
in Orlando, Meissner said. It will
from state prisons to federal
Mariel because the United States
mean deportation hearings
lock-u
has no treaty with Cuba allowing
p s
inside prisons - with screenings
according
for their return.
to
at the South Florida Reception
Commissioner
Under the agreement. Gov.
Center in Dade. Broward Correc-
Doris Meissner
Lawton Chiles and the Cabinet
tional Institution and four other
of the Immi-
have granted commutations of
prisons.
gration and
sentences for some of the con-
Naturalization
victs sentenced for nonviolent
"If will allow us to double the
Service and
crimes, such as drug trafficking
number" of deportations from
Gov. Lawton
- only on condition that they
Florida's prisons, Meissner said,
Chiles.
leave the country.
signing the agreement with
"We see that
Chiles.
as the next big
Sentences commuted
The next stage of Florida's
step that we're
So far; they have commuted
negotiations with the INS and
working on.
Meissner
sentences for 322 undocumented
federal Burcau of Prisons
Meissner said
immigrants. the governor's office
involves finding new homes for
Monday of negotiations to move
says. and the INS has deported
the 650 Cuban-born convicts
undocumented Cuban-born pris-
281 of them.
who can't be deported under the
oners from state 10 federal peni-
tentiaries.
"A one-way ticket out of the
INS agreements.
"This is a conversa-
country. Chiles calls the pro-
Meissner said it's too carty in
tion that's under way between
the federal government and the
gram.
these talks to say when the trans-
state of Florida."
The prison terms for some of
iers will happen.
these people expired before INS
Chiles said the idea is to move
Hearings expedited
could finish proceedings leading
the convicts from state to federal
Since last spring. under an
to their deportation. Chiles said.
custody.
P.02/03
THE PALM BEACH POST TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1995
Apr 19 '95 8:34
Immigration chief predicts
FLORIDA
CRIMINAL ALIEN
no Haitian, Cuban exodus
REMOVAL PROGRAM
By BILL DOUTHAT
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
STATE NEWS
For
322
TALLAHASSEE The nation's
immigration chief said Monday she
"We don't view these arrivals as
does not expect a repeat of last year's
any kind of a beginning of a large
281
refugee waves into Florida from Haiti
migration," Meissner said.
and Cuba.
The agreement signed by
The situation this year is entire-
Meissner and Chiles allows deporta-
GSTO FLORIDA
ly different," Immigration and Natu-
AXPAYERS
tion hearings to be held in prisons
ralization Service Commissioner Do-
before inmates funish their sen-
ILLION
ris Meissner said in a news
tences. The INS is hiring 17 agents
conference with Gov. Lawton Chiles
and hearing officers for the program.
to announce an agreement to speed
About 300 nonviolent criminal im-
GOVERNOR'S OFF. -EXEC. Fax:904-922-4292
deportation of undocumented immi-
migrants once held in Florida prisons
grants in Florida's prisons.
have been deported since the state
Meissner said the threat of new
began giving commutations of sen-
refugee waves has been lessened by
tences for those who agreed to leave
the restoration of democracy in Haiti
the country. Holding hearings at the
and a promise from Cuban President
prisons could lead to the deportation
Fidel Castro to deter Cubans leaving
of up to 2,200 a year.
the islands for the United States.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
"These criminals came to our
On Sunday, 115 Haitians were
country illegally, they broke our laws
Gov. Lawton Chiles and U.S. immigration Commis-
found hidden in a freighter off Miami
and now we want them to go home,"
sioner Doris Meissner announce an agreement to
attempting to enter the country:
said Chiles.
speed deportation on Monday in Tallahassee.
P.03/03
8:34
Sun-Sentinel, Tuesday, April 18. 1995
7A
LEGISLATURE '95
Apr 19 '95
Agreement will put imprisoned aliens on the move
said Gov. Lawton Chiles, who
The state began expediting the
their cases are pending
matic relations with Cuba, those
its the deportation process
By LINDA KLEINDIENST
worked out the details with Doris
deportation of nonviolent crimi
INS has promised to hire more
inmates cannot be deported.
Set up ao INS office inOrian.
Tallehance Bureeu Chief
Meissner, commissioner of the
nal attens Last statorner. The go
Immigt ation Judges, Investiga-
Improvements called for under
do as a central staging beation
TALLAHASSEE - Criminal
U.S. Immigration and Natural-
vernor and Cabinel Initiated the
Lors and attorneys to speed up the
the agreement signed on Monday:
for INS personnel.
aliens taking up space in Flort
ization Service.
deportations by allowing the
process, which could lead to 2,200
Increase the miniber of de-
Mady tomates scheduled (or
da's prisons will be shipped borne
"This agreement allows us to
crimmals out of prison before
criminals being deported by the
portation hearings.
deportation are released from
at a faster clip under a new
move even more Inmates through
their. sentences had been
end of thext year.
Hire 17 additional agents and
prtson while their INS case is still
agreement signed by state and
the deportation hearing process,
completed.
The new agreement does not
deportation officers.
pending. Under the bew agree-
federal officials de Monday
at a much Caster rate, saving our
Dt 322 criminals whose sen-
address the 550 criminals who en-
Reduce the number of hear-
ment, deportation hearings will
These criminal aliens came to
taxpayers millions and ensuring
tences have been commuted, 201
tered the United States during the
ing locations and release sites.
be conducted In state prisons
our country illegally, they broke
these criminals will never threat-
have been sent home, and the oth-
1980 Mariel boatlift. Because the
Establish a tracking system
while libe crimidal is
our laws and now they must pay,"
en our communities again."
ers remain Incarcerated while
U.S. government has no diplo-
to determine where inmates are
incarcerated
GOVERNOR'S Fax:904-922-4292
GRAN
MIAMI
EL NUEVO HERALD
MARTES 18 DE ABRIL DE 1995
3
Pacto acelerará deportación de presos en Florida
Per MARK SILYA
Reductor - El Nave Merald
mientos, dijo Meissner.
Desde la primavera pasada, según un acuerdo entre Chiles
El INS está posiendo más sente 3 Lembajar CA) Las
Tallabassee Un nuevo esfuerzo para deportar a
deportaciones CII California, Texas, Nuera York e
los inmigrantes indocumentados que compleo CON-
y el Servicio de Inmigración y Naturalización (INS). el
Alincis, explicó Meissner,
keas cm las prisiones de to Florida, deberis dupli-
Esto significará 17 investigadores , fancionarios
ar of número de defincuentes devaction . was pal-
gobierno ha estado acelerando las audiencias de
de audicocias más, que trabsjacán fecra de Una
GOVERNOR'S OFF. :904-922-4292
es, dijeron actoridades federales , del estado
RICYS oficine del INS setuada a Orlando, dijo
Al mismo tiempa, cl BODICTRO federal está dess
deportación para cientos de condenados 'no violentos' que
Meisaner. Y significará subjencias de deportación
rollando NO plan para transferir a unos 650 comvic-
dentro de las prisiones, con processamientos 8 el
as indocementados de origen cubano de pritiones
están en las prisiones de la Florida.
Centro de Recepción del Ser de is Florida, CR
states & cúscles federales, segin la comisionada
Chiles
Dade la Institución Correccional de Broward y
lons Meassaer, del Servicio de Impración y
others Custro prisiones.
atoralización (INS). y d gobernador Lawton Chi
"Esto nos permitirá duplicar el admero de
condenados "no violentos" que catás ce las prisio-
denados por delitos no violentas, corpo tráfico de
deportaciones de las prisiones de a Florida dijo
3.
nes de la Florida. Son sente que ha cometido deli-
"Consideramos éste el próximo gran paso que
drogas, sólo a condición de que abandones el pals.
Meissner d lunes, ad firmer d BUCYS accerdo com
tos en la Florida desputs de colrar al país sin docu-
Hasta ahora. se les han consertado las sentencias &
James preperando", dijo Meissner el lunes, refi-
Chiles.
mentación. Las prisiones del estado albergan a
Endose a las regociaciones para trasiader a los pri-
322 immigrantes indocumentados, segán is oficial
mãos 5,000 de estos convictos.
B prócimo paso CO las negociaciones de La
Decros indocumentados de office cubamo de las
del gobernador. B INS be deportado a 281 de calls
Florida COR d INS y is Oficina Federal de Prisio-
Ninguna de estas deportaciones incloye a los
milenciarias del estado a las federales. "Es also
personas.
aca, será buscar AUCYOS Jugares para albergy a los
recluses que vigieron a la Florida durante el puente
"Us bokto de ida sin regreso para satir del
IC se está conversando entre el gobierno Inderal &
650 convictos de origin cobano que so peeden SCT
marítimo del Mariel on 1980 porque EStados Um-
estado de E Florida
pais". Ic Hama Chiles al programs.
deportados bajo los scuerdos del INS. Meissner
JdH
dos no tiene mingan tratado COR Cube que permits
Desde E primavers pasada, peguin un accerdo
Las penas de prision de algumas de estas perso-
dijo que as muy pronto - las conversaciones pers
su regreso,
tre Chiles y d INS, cl gobierno ha estado socio-
nas expirasor antes de que d INS pudiens terminar
decir cadado ocurries esto,
Bajo el acuerdo, Chiles y c/ gabinete garantizan
los procedemientos conducentes a 501 deportación,
8I
ado las audiencias de deportación pera cientos de
Chiles indica que is Idea is trastadar a estos
is commetación de sars penas a algunos de los con-
dijo Chiles. El nuevo esfecizo acciesará los procedi-
rechases de is custodia estatal a La federal.
S6
GOVERNOR'S OFF. -EXEC. Fax 904-922-4292
Apr
18
'95
12:52
P.07/07
Feds hail
deal on
The Gainesville Sun, Tuesday, April 1995
criminal
9da will quadruple from 468 last year to
DEPORT
2,200 next year. It will cost $5.5 million
for the expedited hearing process.
State and federal officials are negoti-
continued from Page 1A
ating the transfer of more than 600 Cu-
clemency program with the governor
ben refugees who landed in state
aliens
and Cabinet, saving the state an estl-
prison after they came to Florida in the
mated $13 million. In all about 400
Mariel boatlift In 1980.
criminals aliens are eligible for the ear-
"That's a subject that's under discus-
ly release and deportation.
sion," Melssner said.
The expedited-hearing process un-
Chiles said money was the major
Florida agreement with the
velled Monday will resolve the Immi-
holdup.
gration status of foreign prisoners
"There's some bucks attached to it."
INS will expand deportation
before they complete their sentence.
he said. "If Florida asks for this, I'm
hearings for allens housed in
Under the current system, deporta-
sure other states are going to ask for it.
tion cases were pending for about 75
We think It is the logical, progressive
the state's prisons
percent of the Illegal allens when they
step that should be taken."
completed their sentences. That delays
The state is preparing to take a step
a final decision on deportation for sev-
In another effort to deport Illegal aliens
Associated Press
eral months while the Hiegal alien el-
who commit crimes.
TALLAHASSEE - Florida is considered the national
ther waits in INS custody or is released
leader in retooling the way state and federal govern-
on bond.
A pilot project by state attorneys In
ments handle foreign felons the head of the U.S. Imml-
The new agreement reduces the
Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Mon-
gration and Naturalization Service said Monday
number of state release sites from 46 to
Γoe counties Identified more than 2,000
An agreement signed Monday by INS Commissioner
15 and the number of hearing sites
illegal foreigners who were charged
Doris Meissner and Gov. Lawton
from seven to six inside state prisons,
with crimes.
Chiles will expand deportation hear-
Meissner said. When criminal aliens
Paim Beach now will begin develop-
ings for foreign-born nationals
complete their terms; their immigra-
Ing a model to deport Individuals In-
housed in state prison to expedite
tion status is decided. They are either
stead of sending them through the
their trip home once they finish
deported or released.
court system and eventually prison,
INS officials estimated the number
said Mark Schlakman, the governor's
their sentences.
"Florida is exercising a position of
of criminal aliens deported from Flort-
special counsel.
national leadership in developing a
cooperative, innovative partnership
with INS," Meissner said at a news
conference.
Florida Is the first of seven states
Gov. Chiles
to participate with the federal gov-
ernment in the expedited hearing
said the agree-
process. The others are California,
ment "closes
Texas, New York, Illinois, Arizona
the loopbole
and New Jersey
that let too
It is the latest effort by the Chiles
many crimi-
administration and INS to rid the
nal aliens out
state of criminal aliens to make
on our
room for homegrown felons.
"The enhanced hearing program
strects
we're implementing closes the loop-
hole that let too many criminal aliens out on our streets,"
id Chiles.
The next step Chiles is seeking would let the state send
foreign felons to federal prison.
Another initiative started last year has commuted the
sentences of about 300 illegal aliens convicted of nonvio-
lent offenses.
As of Monday. 281 aliens had been deported under the
See DEPORT on Page 4A
Page: A-3
4-13-95
Dat~*
The New York Times
Column:
At Border, Mexican Migrants
Wait and Worry
ment efforts around San Ysidro,
The jump in arrests is probably in
By TIM GOLDEN
Calif., and El Paso are beginning to
part a consequence of a bigger and
SANTO DOMINGO, Mexico - The
discourage some Mexicans from
more effective Border Patrol: more
years of hard labor that people from
even trying to cross the border.
agents, the redeployment of others
this desert town have done in the
The permanent settlement in the
and the addition of equipment like
restaurant kitchens and the lettuce
United States of many Mexicans who
night-vision scopes, electronic sen-
fields of California have crowded
used to come and go seasonally has
sors and better radios.
Santo Domingo's streets with pickup
also reduced the pool of potential
trucks and put satellite dishes on
migrants.
The migrant traffic is also shift-
some of the adobe homes.
And for those Mexicans with rela-
ing: more Mexicans are sneaking
About one-quarter of the 13,000
tives sending money back from the
into the United States in less-pa-
residents of this town in north-cen-
United States, the value of those
trolled areas like Nogales, Ariz., and
tral Mexico live mostly "on the other
dollars has risen sharply with the
Del Rio, Texas, and more are using
side," as they call the United States.
peso's devaluation.
forged identity documents to pass
And with a small empire of Mexi-
through checkpoints.
"People are still alive here thanks
can restaurants scattered among
to the money that comes from the
the migrants in the United States,
The young urban Mexicans who
United States," said the Mayor of
there are always jobs there to beck-
are increasingly supplanting the sea-
Santo Domingo, Álvaro Rodríguez
the young men and women who
sonal farm workers of past migra-
Luna. "Things balance out. The
e of age in Santo Domingo with-
tions may be more able to pay for
prices go up, but the money that
.much hope of finding work at
such documents.
comes from the other side has also
home.
gone up."
But looking ahead, a more effec-
People here say they have been
Clinton Administration officials
tive Border Patrol and a growing
thinking harder about heading north
cited the threat of illegal immigra-
hostility toward undocumented im-
in the three months since the devalu-
ation of the peso sent inflation soar-
tion as a critical reason for the $20
migrants in California and other bor-
ing, the economy into recession and
billion United States contribution to
der states will likely discourage at
thousands of workers to the unem-
a $50 billion international loan pack-
least some Mexicans from leaving
home.
ployment lines. But many here also
age for Mexico.
say the decision is not as easy as it
In mid-January, the Treasury De-
Draped over a tree limb near the
once seemed.
partment estimated that "a pro-
Tijuana airport as he peered over a
"The dollar is the only thing that is
tracted economic crisis" in Mexico
metal fence at San Ysidro, Calif.,
gcing up now," said Agustín Chávez,
could mean an increase of more than
Adrián López Arana seemed a case
a 22-year-old elementary school
30 percent in illegal immigration, or
in point.
teacher. "But everyone says it is
about half a million new economic
harder to get to the other side. It
refugees a year.
Hoping to join a brother who was
making $100 a day as a construction
costs you much more. It is not like
That Mexico faces a serious eco-
worker in Los Angeles, Mr. López, a
before."
nomic crisis is unquestioned; how
23-year-old mason from Morelia,
Despite a sharp increase recently
long it will last remains to be seen.
said he had been caught by the Bor-
in the number of migrants caught
The Government of President Er-
der Patrol two days earlier and
sneaking into the United States, it is
nesto Zedillo has forecast a2 percent
dumped back in Tijuana. He had
still far from clear that Mexico's
shrinkage of the economy this year,
spent a good chunk of his savings on
economic turmoil will flood the Unit-
and the loss of about a million of the
buses, hotels and food, he said, and
ed States with illegal job-seekers.
country's 26 million jobs.
the coyote, or smuggler, whom he
For poor Mexicans wanting to em-
According to the Immigration and
had hired to lead him across had
igrate, the cost of getting to job
Naturalization Service, arrests by
absconded with an advance that Mr.
markets in California, Chicago or
Border Patrol officers along the
López had given him.
New York has risen considerably,
United States-Mexican border were
according to dozens of would-be im-
9.6 percent higher in January than
"I'm going home," he moaned.
migrants interviewed along the bor-
during January 1994. In February,
"My brother said all I had to do was
'er in Tijuana and in two central
the increase was 37.6 percent; in
find a coyote at the bus station and I
exican states, San Luis Potosí and
March, 40 percent.
would be there the next day. He
Zacatecas.
But such figures may be decep-
didn't tell me about this."
Even in communities like Santo
tive. Most obviously, the numbers do
In the farming village of San José
Domingo, where travel back and
not necessarily reflect the real flow
de Caliguey, near Santo Domingo,
forth from the United States re-
of undocumented migrants because
young men who had been back and
mains a way of life, there is anecdot-
the Border Patrol has traditionally
forth to the United States before said
al evidence that the United States
counted arrests rather than individ-
that not only was the crossing more
Border Patrol's increased enforce-
uals, who are often apprehended
difficult, but the cost was becoming
more than once.
almost prohibitive.
2
"I would go tomorrow but I don't
have the money," said Mario Loera,
22. "It used to cost you 300 pesos to
BY THE NUMBERS
get to Ciudad Juárez and $100 for the
coyote. Now it is double. That is two
Halted at the Border
or three cows, and I do not have
Total detentions of illegal
anv."
immigrants by the U.S.
Whatever the Border Patrol's suc-
Border Patrol along the
cess, most experts believe that Mexi-
border with Mexico increased
co's economic troubles will inevita-
substantially during the first
bly bring some increase in the flow
three months of this year,
of migrants, and history suggests as
compared with the same
much. In 1993, the year after the
collapse of the Mexican economy led
months a year earlier.
Latin American into its debt crisis,
1994
1995
the arrests of undocumented immi-
grants in the United States rose
140,000
about 35 percent.
Yet a study that compared the
120
probability of immigration in the rel-
atively prosperous period between
100
1975 and 1980 to the five years there-
after found a rise of only about 15
80
percent, according to the author,
Manuel Garcia y Griego, a demogra-
60
pher at the University of California
at Irvine.
40
"I think it would be foolish to
assign all of the increase, or even
20
most of it, to economic considera-
tions," Dr. Garcia y Griego said of
0
the rise in Border Patrol arrests. "I
don't think we can ignore the impact
Jan
Feb
March
Source:
of the devaluation, but that impact
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
has not played out yet."
Part of what has changed since
The New York Times
Mexico's economic troubles in the
1980's, noted another American im-
migration expert, Wayne A. Cornel-
ius of the University of California at
San Diego, is that many Mexicans
who sought jobs in the United States
in earlier times have stayed in the
north under the amnesty of the 1986
Immigration Reform and Control
Act.
Many of those Mexicans are no
longer sending dollars back to their
relatives, but a boom in the transfer
of such remittances by others sug-
gests that the stronger dollar may
keep other potential migrants at
home in Mexico.
3
The San Diego
Date:
4-12-95
Union-Cribun
Ugly border battles
Showdown between the INS and Rep. Hunter
he border duel last week
ing of illegal workers. With advance-
T
wasn't the usual one between
ments in technology, that is the key to
the Border Patrol and illegal
halting the flow of illegals.
immigrants. It was between
The professionals say the rugged lo-
the Immigration and Natural-
cal terrain has nothing in common with
ization Service and Rep. Duncan Hunt-
El Paso, where the Rio Grande forms a
er, R-El Cajon.
natural frontier. San Diego's 66-mile
This politicization of the border is not
border consists of 37 miles of moun-
welcome. Border policy, like foreign
tains, 10 miles of hilly brushland, eight
policy, should be based on reasoned
miles of urban hills, four miles of can-
analysis and consensus, not the grubby
yons and very little flatland.
search for partisan advantage. You
A healthy debate on immigration poli-
don't get better border policy by turn-
cy has the virtue of airing the issues so
ing it into a political football.
the public can make an informed policy
Doris Meissner, INS commissioner,
decision. But Hunter's blustering style,
came to town to praise Operation Gate-
plus a history of jingoism that ignores
keeper, noting that since February ar-
the complex economic relationship be-
rests of illegal crossers had gone up 25
tween California and Mexico, does not
percent compared with last year.
serve the cause.
The sharpest reduction in illegal im-
Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Imperial Beach,
migration, she said, was at its center, in
says he will co-sponsor Hunter's bill.
the Imperial Beach region.
Don't, Brian. The choice between Hunt-
Well, maybe. Statistics on illegal im-
er's "Berlin Wall" and Meissner's com-
migration are tricky, since you don't
bination Gatekeeper and interior en-
know whether an increase in apprehen-
forcement is no choice at all Hunter
sions is good or bad news. Maybe more
could (and probably would)-build-a-wall
illegals are being caught because more
around the entire American periphery
are coming. which, with Mexico's finan-
and still not solve the problem, because
cial crisis, wouldn't be a surprise.
half of America's illegal immigrants ar-
But the spectacle of Hunter tracking
rive here legally.
Meissner like a bird dog on the scent
Presence on the border is a deter-
wasn't pretty. Hunter's news was that
rent, and should be strengthened.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich had ap-
But stopping illegal immigration will
proved his bill to build a three-tier fence
come primarily through interior en-
along the border, with a Border Patrol
forcement - that is, by halting the
agent for every 100 yards.
employment of illegal immigrants, dry-
Meissner and local INS officials gave
ing up the flow at the source. Fifty
Hunter's plan the scorn it fully de-
percent of the INS' budget increase this
serves. Modeled after an El Paso pro-
year went into new technology. includ-
gram, it is unsuitable for San Diego's
ing work on a computerized registry
topography. It would wall off Mexico
that will enable employers to detect
and so deplete Border Patrol ranks that
forged documents.
no agents would be left for interior
That, not fortress America, is a policy
enforcement, such as stopping the hir-
that is morally acceptable and will work.
U.S. Department of Justice
DAMPLATE ALL
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Washington, D.C. 20536
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
News Release
Phone (202) 514-2648
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cuba
APRIL 17, 1995
INS, FLORIDA IMPLEMENT NEW PLAN
TO BOOST CRIMINAL ALIEN DEPORTATIONS
The number of criminal aliens deported directly from Florida prisons
will increase dramatically under a plan announced today by the Immigration
and Naturalization Service (INS) and the State of Florida.
Under the program, the number of criminal aliens deported
immediately upon completion of their criminal sentence in Florida is
expected to more than quadruple from 468 deported in Fiscal Year 1994 to an
estimated 2,200 in Fiscal Year 1996.
"This agreement is an important part of a nationwide effort to insure
that criminal aliens are not only taken off the street but out of the country,"
said INS Commissioner Doris Meissner. "The Administration intends to
triple the deportation of both criminal and non-criminal aliens nationwide
from 37,000 in 1993 to more than 110,000 in 1996."
MORE
Enhanced IHP
Add 1
Commissioner Meissner, Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and Anthony
Moscato, director of the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR)
signed the agreement implementing the Enhanced Institutional Hearing
Program (Enhanced IHP) in a ceremony at the state capitol in Tallahassee.
The program expedites the administrative deportation hearings of
criminal aliens in Florida prisonss, allowing INS and EOIR (the Immigration
courts) to conduct those hearings in state facilities while the alien is still
serving a criminal sentence. If a final order of deportation is obtained, the
alien can be deported immediately after completion of the criminal sentence.
The enhancement establishes an INS office in Orlando which will
serve as a centralized staging location for INS officers supporting the
program. INS will also hire 17 additional agents and deportation officers to
handle the increased case load. The IHP will be streamlined and centralized
by reducing the number of alien release sites from 46 to 15 and the
immigration hearing locations from seven to six.
The IHP focuses on all criminal aliens, including those convicted of
aggravated felonies or violent crimes. It complements the program INS and
Florida initiated in April of 1994. That program enables the Governor to
grant conditional commutations to non-violent criminal aliens who concede
deportability.
MORE
Enhanced IHP
ADD 2
The immigration court then issues a final order of deportation and INS
removes the alien from the United States. As of today, 281 non-violent
criminal aliens have been removed under the commutation program.
---INS---
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
May 2, 1995
JOINT STATEMENT
The United States of America and the Republic of Cuba have reached agreement on steps to
normalize further their migration relationship. These steps build upon the September 9, 1994
agreement and seek to address safety and humanitarian concerns and to ensure that migration
between the countries is safe, legal, and orderly.
Humanitarian Parole
The United States and the Republic of Cuba recognize the special circumstances of Cuban
migrants currently at Guantanamo Bay. Accordingly, the two governments have agreed that
the process of humanitarian parole into the United States should continue beyond those
eligible for parole under existing criteria. The two governments agree that if the United
States carries out such paroles, it may count them towards meeting the minimum number of
Cubans it is committed to admit every year pursuant to the September 9, 1994 agreement. Up
to 5,000 such paroles may be counted towards meeting the minimum number in any one year
period beginning September 9, 1995, regardless of when the migrants are paroled into the
United States.
Safety of Life at Sea
The United States and the Republic of Cuba reaffirm their common interest in preventing
unsafe departures from Cuba. Effective immediately, Cuban migrants intercepted at sea by
the United States and attempting to enter the United States will be taken to Cuba. Similarly,
migrants found to have entered Guantanamo illegally will also be returned to Cuba. The
United States and the Republic of Cuba will cooperate jointly in this effort. All actions taken
will be consistent with the parties' international obligations. Migrants taken to Cuba will be
informed by United States officials about procedures to apply for legal admission to the
United States at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana.
The United States and the Republic of Cuba will ensure that no action is taken against those
migrants returned to Cuba as a consequence of their attempt to immigrate illegally. Both
parties will work together to facilitate the procedures necessary to implement these measures.
The United States and the Republic of Cuba agree to the return to Cuba of Cuban nationals
currently at Guantanamo who are ineligible for admission to the United States.
September 9, 1994 Agreement
The United States and the Republic of Cuba agree that the provisions of the September 9,
1994 agreement remain in effect, except as modified by the present Joint Statement. In
particular, both sides reaffirm their joint commitment to take steps to prevent unsafe
departures from Cuba which risk loss of human life and to oppose acts of violence associated
with illegal immigration.