However, a humanitarian corridor would certainly stir up a honets’ nest among the 30-odd governors, 50-some percent of the citizens, and several of the GOP presidential contenders who oppose allowing Syrian refugees into the US. They would have to explain why Cubans are welcome and Syrians aren’t. Maybe they could explain this to the satisfaction of themselves and their supporters, but it would be fun to watch them squirm over this inconsistency.

As for the cost of the humanitarian corridor, I don’t believe it’s now much. The Cubans aren’t broke, just want to be able to cross borders and take buses or walk. However, the simplest but somewhat costlier alternative is just to charter a few jets and fly them from Liberia to Houston. Why make them walk? It might even be cheaper to charter the jets than to deal with them and the controversies they’re causing.

My thinking is that if the US believes it’s a good idea to privilege Cuban immigrants over say Syrians, and Costa Rica believes a humanitarian corridor is a good idea, the two countries should just get on the phone with each other, charter a few jets, and solve the problem this afternoon.