Journalist Mario J. Pentón, known for his expertise on Cuban migration issues, shared an unusual experience he had this Monday at the Miami Airport. Relatives of some beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole program refused an interview on behalf of the newly arrived, arguing that the new arrivals were "communists."
"Our family just arrived, they landed. They are from Santiago de Cuba. The problem is that they will not give you an interview because they are communists; they believe in the revolution and socialism," Pentón quoted the family members waiting in the arrival hall for the "communist" emigrants.
Unable to believe what he was hearing, the journalist then asked why they decided to emigrate from Cuba and did not receive a convincing response.
He expressed feeling "powerless" in the face of such an absurd argument and lamented that many people who deserve humanitarian parole and are not "communists" have not yet been able to fulfill their dream.
The story quickly went viral on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, accumulating thousands of comments and reactions within hours.
"I know someone whose parents arrived on July 18, and their request to their daughter before boarding the plane to the United States was 'do not come to the airport to receive us with an American flag or balloons with the symbols of that country,'" another Cuban recounted, suggesting that such a reality might be less unusual than it seems.
Despite the uncertainty following the temporary suspension of new permits after a report uncovered massive fraud involving sponsors, numerous Cuban beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole program managed to board their flights to the U.S. from various airports on the island this Monday.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that some travel permits had been revoked as part of their review of the program and the detection of fraud in thousands of applications, but cases continue to be processed.
As of late June, more than 106,000 Cuban citizens had traveled to the U.S. under this program, according to official figures.
Understanding the Humanitarian Parole Program for Cubans
Here are some frequently asked questions about the humanitarian parole program and its recent developments, aimed at providing clarity for those interested in the topic.
What is the Humanitarian Parole Program?
The Humanitarian Parole Program allows certain individuals to enter the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
Why were some travel permits revoked?
The Department of Homeland Security revoked some travel permits due to the detection of fraud involving sponsors in thousands of applications.
How many Cubans have benefited from the program?
As of late June, over 106,000 Cuban citizens have traveled to the United States under the humanitarian parole program.