What is the wet-foot dry-foot law?

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

Cubans picked up in the water - wet-foot - are sent back to Cuba. If they step on dry land - dry-foot - they can stay in the US.

Answer by  sns34 (144)

This law applies to Cubans fleeing to the U.S.A. If you are caught still in the water (have wet feet), then you will be sent back to Cuba. If you have reached land (have dry feet), then you can stay and be given American residency in about a year.

Answer by  nuttree (1596)

The "wet-foot-dry-foot law" applies to Cubans who try to enter the United States by boat. If the US authorities intercept them at sea (i.e. with "wet feet"), they will be sent back to Cuba or transferred to another country. If manage to come ashore on American territory, they are entitled to stay and, eventually get permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Answer by  Tancred (17)

It was an American foreign policy enacted in 1995 during the Clinton administration. Basically it stated that if a person escaping Cuba is caught in the water, he would be returned to his country (hence wet foot). However, if he makes it ashore to the United States, then he can stay there as a permanent resident (hence dry foot).

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

This law refers to Cubans only since the US was trying to save them from their government at the time. As soon as a Cuban Citizen gets ONE foot on land they are now considered an American citizen, however if they are caught in water they are returned to Cuba.

Answer by  GilFinn (2065)

Put very simply, any refugee(s) found at sea (wet-foot) are to be returned to thier country of origin. If by chance they are able to make landfall (dry-foot), they are allowed to remain while requesting permission to stay as a refugee.

Answer by  Laura47 (138)

It applies to Cubans. If they make it to dry soil in the US, they can stay in the country legally. If intercepted at sea, they are sent back to Cuba.

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

Applying only to Cuban immigrants, immigrants who are caught on the water trying to gain illegal entry are sent back to Cuba. Those that make it to land can stay.