MIAMI -- Under the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act, all Cubans who reach U.S. soil are automatically granted political asylum because Cuba is a communist nation. Cubans caught at sea, on the other hand, are typically returned to Cuba. The "wet foot-dry foot" phrase comes from the different treatment received by immigrants who make it to "dry land."

The policy has been a source of controversy, particularly in South Florida's Haitian community.

Vocal critics in South Florida have protested the differential treatment given to Cuban immigrants versus other immigrants. Several large protests followed the arrival, detainment and repatriation of dozens of Haitians in early November.

On Nov. 6, just eight days after the more than 200 Haitian immigrants came ashore, 35 Cuban refugees arrived by speedboat in Marathon. Haitian community members said that they were angry that most of their compatriots have been or will be sent back to Haiti, while thanks to current immigration law, the Cuban refugees were released in South Florida within days.

Right now the only way Haitian detainees can receive asylum is if they can prove they'll be persecuted if they're sent back to their home country.

Another criticism of the policy in South Florida stems from smuggling operations and life-threatening raft trips that are often used by Cubans to make it to U.S. shores.