Estimated Time: 10 minutes

In this section, we encounter a critical aspect of Isabel's journey: the Wet Foot, Dry Foot Policy. This policy was a unique piece of United States immigration law that specifically affected Cuban refugees. It stated that Cuban refugees who were caught on the water ('wet feet') would be sent back to Cuba, while those who made it to U.S. land ('dry feet') would be allowed to stay and could later qualify for residency. This policy played a significant role in the lives of many Cubans, including the fictional characters in our story, shaping their hopes, risks, and decisions as they sought safety and a new life.

Learn more about the history of the Wet Foot Dry Foot Policy by reading this article.

Understanding this policy is key to grasping the challenges faced by Isabel and her family. It highlights the desperation and the high stakes involved in their journey. For them, reaching U.S. soil was not just about escaping from their troubled homeland; it was also about navigating the complex rules of asylum and survival.

Imagine being in a situation where a single step (from water to land) could change your entire future. How would you feel?