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Gitmo Tagged for Cuban Refugees

Navy plans to prevent post-Castro Cuban exodus

By Mike Wu, Newser User

Posted Mar 6, 2007 11:01 AM CST

(Newser) – Anticipating that Fidel Castro's death will prompt thousands of Cubans to attempt to join their expatriate countrymen in South Florida, U.S. authorities are making space for them—in Cuba. The Miami Herald reports that the DOD has budgeted $18 million to expand its base at Guantanamo Bay to handle a wave of Cuban refugees they hope to intercept at sea--before they set foot on U.S. soil.

Authorities are prepping for another massive boat-lift—an expert at the University of Miami predicted as many as 500,000—abetted by the Cuban community in Miami. Under the current "wet foot/dry foot" policy, refugees who make it to American soil are allowed to remain, while those captured at sea are usually returned.

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Gitmo Tagged for Cuban Refugees

Navy plans to prevent post-Castro Cuban exodus

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Fidel Demands Gitmo Back

Former Cuban prez slams Obama over naval base, Mideast policy on web site

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He says he may not be lucid in 4 years; again praises Obama

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Some see aid now as a path toward increased influence, cooperation

McCain Ad Links Obama to Castro

'Guilt by endorsement' ad runs on South Florida websites

Chavez: US Confrontation 'Inevitable'

But Venezuelan leader receives steadying advice from Castro

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