The unanimous approval of new Migration, Citizenship, and Foreign Affairs laws this Friday in the Cuban Parliament has sparked widespread criticism on social media.
Among thousands of comments, many Cubans agree that this is an "insult to the intelligence of the people" and a desperate strategy to prevent emigrants from severing their ties with Cuba entirely. A Facebook user, whose comment resonated with dozens of others, highlighted the lack of authenticity in the deputies' decisions, noting that in the National Assembly of People's Power, "everything is written, said, and ordered by the owners of the farm."
Regarding the removal of the 24-month limit for staying abroad without losing residency in Cuba, this emigrant recalls that "most Cubans who left several years ago no longer wish to return to the island and have taken part of their family with them."
Moreover, many recent emigrants, benefiting from Biden's administration policies, will not be able to return within the previously stipulated time frame. In her view, this is one of the aspects that forced the regime to modify the legal norm.
"It's a state that doesn't work, doesn't provide security or justice, doesn't create the basic conditions for access to good education and health. It's completely weak, failed, and has generated a lot of anger and discontent. It just needs a push to topple it," said the user on Facebook.
Comments on this delicate issue also include interpretations of the controversial law's approval amid a complex international political landscape. Several Cubans agree that the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House accelerated the regime's decision-making, leading to the surprising unanimous approval of laws in Parliament to strengthen the state's power.
The unanimous approval of the Migration, Citizenship, and Foreign Affairs laws, far from causing admiration for the "unity of criteria" among Cuban deputies, provoked laughter, ridicule, and criticism towards Miguel Díaz-Canel, Raúl Castro, and the country's political management model.
"The miserable puppet said that's the way it is because it's 'the dictatorship of the people.' Just when you think he's hit rock bottom, Miguel Díaz-Canel breaks the barrier," a Cuban commented.
He was referring to the president's words in the closing speech of the third regular session of the 10th Legislature of the ANPP, where, in addition to justifying the law approval process, Díaz-Canel said:
"Cuba is not led by one person, not even a small group of people. This is the rare dictatorship that the enemies of the revolution will never understand. The dictatorship of the workers. The dictatorship of the people that we represent here by popular election."
Common Questions on Cuba's New Migration Laws
Given the recent approval of controversial migration laws in Cuba, many are left with questions about the implications and motivations behind these changes. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why did the Cuban Parliament approve these new migration laws unanimously?
The unanimous approval is seen by many as a desperate attempt by the regime to prevent emigrants from severing their ties with Cuba, amidst a complex international political landscape.
What changes were made to the migration laws?
One significant change is the removal of the 24-month limit for staying abroad without losing residency in Cuba. This change is intended to address the needs of many recent emigrants who cannot return within the previously stipulated time frame.