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Mexico to deport Cuban migrants Mexico blocks Cuban route to US
(1 day later)
Cuba's foreign minister has said Mexico has agreed to return Cuban migrants who arrive there without legal documents. Mexico has agreed to tighten its immigration rules to crack down on the smuggling route used by Cubans who want to flee to the United States.
Felipe Perez Roque said the accord would help prevent people-trafficking, and provide for the return of illegal Cuban migrants trying to reach the US. The agreement, signed at a ceremony in Mexico City, restricts the main exit route for thousands of Cubans as many travel via Mexico.
The agreement is expected to be signed on Monday in the capital, Mexico City. Mexico's past reluctance to halt the practice has led to tensions with Cuba.
The move would restrict the main exit route for Cubans aiming for the US, as many travel to Mexico first rather than trying to cross the Straits of Florida. More than 11,000 Cubans slipped into the US via Mexico last year, according to US authorities.
Correspondents say most evade immigration officials, and that the few who are caught are rarely deported. In most cases, they are given transit permits allowing them to reach the US border, they say.Correspondents say most evade immigration officials, and that the few who are caught are rarely deported. In most cases, they are given transit permits allowing them to reach the US border, they say.
Thawing of relationsThawing of relations
Speaking to reporters on arrival at Mexico City's airport on Sunday, Mr Perez Roque said the measures agreed between the neighbours would "include a mechanism for the swift return of illegal migrants who try to use Mexico to get to the United States". Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said: "We believe now there will be fewer attempts to use Mexico as an illegal corridor for Cuban immigrants trying to get to the United States."
Mexico and Cuba are victims of this policy that promotes illegal immigration from Cuba Felipe Perez RoqueCuban Foreign MinisterMexico and Cuba are victims of this policy that promotes illegal immigration from Cuba Felipe Perez RoqueCuban Foreign Minister
He said the accord would also "allow us to work together to prevent and confront illegal migration, people trafficking and all related crimes". Earlier, Mr Perez Roque said the accord would also "allow us to work together to prevent and confront illegal migration, people trafficking and all related crimes".
"Mexico and Cuba are victims of this policy that promotes illegal immigration from Cuba," Perez Roque said, referring to the US Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) allows most Cubans who reach American soil to remain in the country and apply for residency after one year."Mexico and Cuba are victims of this policy that promotes illegal immigration from Cuba," Perez Roque said, referring to the US Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) allows most Cubans who reach American soil to remain in the country and apply for residency after one year.
Mexican officials say about 10,000 Cubans enter their country each year.
In recent months, the security services have been struggling with violence associated with the trafficking of the illegal migrants.In recent months, the security services have been struggling with violence associated with the trafficking of the illegal migrants.
Correspondents say Mr Perez Roque's visit is being seen as a part of a thawing of relations between Cuban and Mexico, which were strained during the presidency of Vicente Fox, who left office in December 2006.Correspondents say Mr Perez Roque's visit is being seen as a part of a thawing of relations between Cuban and Mexico, which were strained during the presidency of Vicente Fox, who left office in December 2006.
Cuba's foreign minister said he would invite the current President, Felipe Calderon, to visit the island in the near future.Cuba's foreign minister said he would invite the current President, Felipe Calderon, to visit the island in the near future.