Cuban sports commentator Ángel Luis Fernández has arrived in the United States as a beneficiary of the humanitarian parole program implemented by President Joe Biden's administration. "It's official: the popular sports commentator from Cuban TV begins his new life in the United States of America. My colleague and friend Ángel Luis Fernández decided to start a new life in the U.S. after dedicating 25 years to sports journalism in Cuba," confirmed fellow sports journalist Yasel Porto on social media.
Fernández arrived in Miami a few days ago and reunited with his parents and eldest son "after a long period of separation," Porto indicated in his post. "For a long time, he was a member of the team of narrators and commentators at Tele Rebelde, participating in significant events like the London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He was even scheduled to attend the 2024 Paris Olympics," he added.
According to Porto, Fernández also worked as a presenter and host in cultural programs like "Gato Tuerto" and "Rosalía de Castro," and he was in charge of the farewell ceremony at the funeral of Juana Bacallao. A recognized chess player, the media professional "was well-known as one of the main voices on Tele Rebelde for football, although he covered other significant sports such as baseball, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and boxing."
The news sparked a flood of comments on Porto's post. "A great narrator and distinguished commentator. Respected and loved for his professionalism. Success wherever you are. Your humility, human quality, and training always stand out," expressed one user.
With his departure, Fernández joins the Cuban migration wave of recent years, a flow that has brought over half a million people to the United States in the last two years, including 67,000 who flew directly to American soil thanks to the humanitarian parole program (figures as of January 2024).
In May, sports narrator and commentator Ángel Andrés Hernández Vargas, also known as Andy Vargas, left the island and settled in the United States. According to Porto, Hernández Vargas was "claimed" by one of his two children residing in Miami. Originally from Cojímar, Havana, Vargas was considered an iconic voice of the COCO station and particularly of the Industriales team.
"You all should unite and create a page where Cubans on the island can enjoy MLB games narrated by you, and somehow have it reach us through Facebook or another site," proposed a user in the comments on Porto's recent post.
Key Information on Cuban Sports Commentators Arriving in the U.S.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the arrival of Cuban sports commentators in the United States.
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program is an initiative by the Biden administration to allow certain individuals to enter the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
Who is Ángel Luis Fernández?
Ángel Luis Fernández is a Cuban sports commentator known for his work on Tele Rebelde and his coverage of major sporting events such as the Olympics. He recently moved to the United States under the humanitarian parole program.
Why did Ángel Luis Fernández move to the United States?
Fernández decided to move to the United States to start a new life and reunite with his family after many years dedicated to sports journalism in Cuba.
What impact has the migration wave had on the Cuban community?
The recent migration wave has seen over half a million Cubans move to the United States in the last two years, significantly impacting the Cuban community both in the U.S. and on the island.