17 Cuban Migrants Come Ashore In Keys

Feb 4, 2006 6:04 pm US/Eastern
17 Cuban Migrants Come Ashore In Keys

(CBS4) MARATHON A group of apparent Cuban migrants beat the odds, the
weather, and the US Wet-Foot, Dry-Foot policy this morning, making it to
shore at a small island in the Florida Keys. They will be processed by
US officials and will likely be released to family in South Florida.

The 12 men, 5 women and one child appeared to be in good condition,
leading US Border Patrol investigators to believe they may have been
dropped off on the southside of the Channel 2 Bridge by smugglers, who
were likely paid to bring the migrants to the US.

The migrants were found early Saturday morning near Mile Market 72 on
the Overseas Highway.

Under the US Wet-Foot, Dry-Foot policy, Cuban migrants who make it to
dry land in the US are usually allowed to stay even if they don’t have
immigration documents. Cuban migrants are the only group which does not
have to seek asylum to gain residence in the US without immigration
documents.

Dave Game, CBS4.com

http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_035180848.html