US Coast Guard Picked1,155 Cubans in 2012

HAVANA TIMES — Last year, 1,155 Cubans were intercepted at sea by the US Coast Guard as they tried to reach the shores of that country illegally, EFE reported.

The figure represents a slight 3.5 percent decrease compared to the 1,198 detainees in 2011.

Despite the recent immigration reforms in Cuba, Washington is maintaining its existing visa requirements, meaning that Cuban citizens will continue to require a visa or permission to enter that country legally.

Curiously, the US is maintaining its “Cuban Adjustment Act,” which allows residents from the island to stay in the US if they reach that country illegally. However, if they are intercepted at sea they are returned to Cuba.