The Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act, H.R. 4247, was introduced on Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL).
All Cuban immigrants, regardless of their reasons for leaving Cuba, are treated as refugees and asylees under a provision in the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980. In addition, the Refugee Education Assistance Act grants access to the federal Refugee Resettlement Program. According to recent reports, however, the Refugee Resettlement Program is being grossly abused, including allowing non-refugees to participate in the program and collect benefits while living in Cuba.
Under Curbelo’s Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act, only refugees and asylees would be able to take part in the Refugee Resettlement Program. The legislation also holds the administration accountable for enforcement of its regulations and for ensuring that benefits are not being collected by ineligible individuals who live abroad.
“Our Cuba immigration policy is flawed, and the administration has made matters worse by recognizing the Cuban dictatorship as a legitimate government,” Curbelo said. “Tens of thousands of Cubans have responded by risking their lives to flee the island. This proposal aims to reduce the abuse of America’s generosity and affords Cubans the opportunity to work and contribute to our country.”