Cuba expresses concerns over continued American selective migration policies

Cuba expressed its concern about the "selective and preferential" migration policy maintained by the United States, which it states encourages smuggling and irregular travel by Cubans, according to a press release issued by the island's foreign ministry on Thursday.

On Wednesday, both nations held their second technical meeting on migration and human trafficking in Havana, seeking to increase bilateral cooperation in the area, said the short statement published on the foreign ministry's website on Thursday.

"During the meeting, Cuba expressed its concern to U.S. authorities over the 'wet foot, dry foot' policy and the Cuban Adjustment Act which encourage illegal migration to that nation," it said.

Havana also added that it is worried about the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program promoted by Washington, which allows Cuban doctors and medical professionals working in third countries to immigrate to the U.S.

"Both policies favor crime, human trafficking and immigration fraud," said the statement.

In February, the first technical meeting between the two sides on human trafficking and immigration fraud took place in Miami.

Immigration is one of the most sensitive issues between both nations, along the embargo that the U.S. government maintains on the island.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday they "welcomed" the opportunity to bring together technical experts to discuss issues of common interest.

The Cuban Adjustment Act, effective since 1966 as well as the "wet foot, dry foot" policy, grants privileged migratory status to Cuban nationals who reach the U.S. soil, allowing them to apply for permanent residence after just a year living there. Enditem