Cuban immigrants facing humanitarian crisis near U.S. border, Tampa helping out

Cuban immigrants facing humanitarian crisis near U.S. border, Tampa
helping out
Non-profit sending non-monetary donations to help
Isabel Rosales
3:28 PM, Jan 22, 2017

TAMPA, -
A pair of wrinkled hands are proof of a long fight in escaping a regime.

"11 years in an inferno. In hell," said Oscar Rodriguez, a Cuban exile.

For 11 years in 1960s he attempted to leave Cuba. That's why as
president of non-profit Casa Cuba. He started an initiative to send
donations to the border. From clothing, to toiletries to non-perishables.

"I think they are in worse conditions because they are like in a limbo,"
said Lydia Gonzalez, who also escaped the communist regime.

Right now around 150 Cubans are stuck there. Their trip to the U.S. cut
short. To pay for the months-long journey most sold their homes and
every belonging.

"I feel so bad," said Gonzalez. "I feel so bad."

Despite feeling bad she said she's supportive of ending the wet foot,
dry foot policy.

"It's not a free country like come and come and come. No, you need to
have your law," Gonzalez said.

The policy has long angered a number of politicians who say some Cuban
immigrants abused the law by getting American residency not for
political escape but for economic betterment.

"We don't care about the Republicans or Democrats in this situation. We
just care about the people," said Rodriguez.

He insists he's staying neutral in this debate, but is speaking out for
the community's help.

"They are over there without hope, so we have to give a little bit to
them," Rodriguez said.

Casa Cuba reopens Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2506 W.
Curtis St. in Tampa.

Source: Cuban immigrants facing humanitarian crisis near U.S. border,
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