Silva added CBP told Balearia Caribbean in advance it needed to shuttle evacuees to Nassau, where people could obtain visas, before continuing to Florida.
Trump has the authority waive visa restrictions. He could have done that in this case.
Interestingly, that is exactly what Florida state Rep. Shevrin Jones asked Trump to do, as did Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.
Silva also alleges Balearia Caribbean charged passengers $150.
Yet the approximately 1,500 who arrived on the Grand Celebration humanitarian cruise ship arrived in Palm Beach for free and without visas.
Marissa Jackson Sow, New York City Coalition on Human Rights Deputy Commissioner, commented:
"Even if this rule change were acceptable, how would any Bahamian apply for a visa right now? This is beyond cruel."
Silva concluded:
"CBP is not denying or discouraging evacuation efforts and we empathize with the plight of the Bahamian people."
Trump, however, has to date refused to waive any visa requirements for Dorian survivors.
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