Why were the Cuban and Haitian refugees treated so differently?

Largely political -- the US has decreed that the current Communist government of Cuba is so abhorrent to us that we will not recognize its legitimacy, therefore, we have a certain implied duty to those who have contrived to flee it for political reasons. Mind you, there have been different phases of each, and at one point Castro was basically emptying out his prisons, so many Cubans getting here were nothing but common criminals who did not merit the same deference as political refugees.

As for Haitians in general, yes, Haiti is one of the worst-run and poorest countries in the world. However, the US is known worldwide as a soft touch. If ALL Haitians wanted was a better life -- well, look at a map. Haiti is NOT an island. Haiti is ON an island, which it shares with another whole country, the Dominican Republic. Haitians could WALK to a better life. Also, it should be noted that to get to the US by boat, Haitians would have to go right by Cuba -- a closer and safer journey.

Tells you something about Cuba if even Haitians sail right by it, doesn't it?

Only the federal goverment can give you that answer. Cuba has one problem (government)

Haiti has many problems (government, corruption, poverty, politics, children slavery, security, jobs, hunger etc...)

Common sense would tell you the US should help the haitians more than they help the Cubans right? but no, they hide behind the false pretense of Political refuge when some Haitians come here for that reason as well.

Partly because the Cubans were fleeing a Communist government while the Haitians were just looking for a better life. Partly because the Haitians are black.

The Cubans from the Mariel boatlift were not treated well.The Cubans get more sympathy because they are leaving a Communist country.The Haitians are leaving a corrupt ,inept political system,many leave for economic hardship. There is racism against Haitian refugees in the US.,most Haitian refugees are Black. Most of the Cuban refugees are Mixed race,although some are White and Black

Haitians don't have a political lobby.

Cubans have more connections in government.