SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The Mona Passage, which separated the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico, has become a major route for illegal immigration into the United States.
The Chicago Tribune reports immigration agents have taken more than 6,500 people into custody this year either at sea or after landing in Puerto Rico. In 2002, 810 were picked up.
While the majority of those using the route are from the Dominican Republic, there are also Cubans who say Coast Guard patrols are now too thick around Florida. Under the "dry foot" policy, Cubans are automatically eligible to remain in the United States once they reach land.
Would-be immigrants from as far away as China are also coming to the Dominican Republic to try their luck. Once in Puerto Rico, they can fly to the United States.
"We are getting all kinds of people in that area, and it keeps us very busy," said Cmdr. Arthur Snyder, who directs Coast Guard search and rescue in the passage.
For some, the voyage in fishing boats known as yolas ends in death. The Mona Passage is known locally as "el mar de los muertos" -- "the sea of the dead."
