Pointing to reports that Cubans residing in that nation are abusing the federal Refugee Resettlement Program, on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla. proposed a bill to end that loophole.
Curbelo unveiled the “Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act” which ensues only refugees and asylees from Cuba can enter the Refugee Resettlement Program instead of residents of the island. The bill also directs the federal government to ensure that only residents of the United States are eligible for the program.
Reiterating his opposition to President Barack Obama’s efforts to normalize relations with Cuba, Curbelo explained why his bill was needed.
“Our Cuba immigration policy is flawed, and the administration has made matters worse by recognizing the Cuban dictatorship as a legitimate government,” Curbelo said. “Tens of thousands of Cubans have responded by risking their lives to flee the island. This proposal aims to reduce the abuse of America's generosity and affords Cubans the opportunity to work and contribute to our country.”
Curbelo doubled down on his support of the bill on Wednesday.
“A provision in the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 treats all Cuban immigrants, regardless of their reasons for leaving the island, as refugees and asylees by granting them access to the federal Refugee Resettlement Program,” Curbelo noted. “Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that this program has been grossly abused, allowing non-refugees to participate in the program and collecting benefits while living in Cuba.
“The Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act would ensure only refugees and asylees can take advantage of the Refugee Resettlement Program,” Curbelo added. “Furthermore, it holds the Administration accountable to enforce its own regulations to ensure benefits are not being collected from ineligible individuals living abroad.”
Curbelo’s bill was sent to the House Education and Workforce Committee, which he sits on, and the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday. So far, the bill has no co-sponsors and there is no companion bill in the Senate.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
