The Cuban exile community was taken aback and outraged upon learning of the arrival of Manuel Menéndez Castellanos, a former secretary of the Communist Party in Cienfuegos and a past member of Fidel Castro's "coordination and support team," who has come to retire in Miami.
The news was broken by journalist Mario J. Pentón, who has obtained additional details about this case and recently disclosed the method used by the former communist official to legally enter the United States. Menéndez Castellanos arrived at Miami International Airport on Thursday afternoon. Pentón confirmed that his entry into the United States was facilitated through a Family Reunification Visa. He was detained for several hours by immigration authorities but was ultimately allowed to proceed.
"Many people are outraged by the audacity with which, after destroying a country, these officials now come to retire in Miami," commented the reporter.
Pentón interviewed attorney Wilfredo O. Allen to delve deeper into the matter. There are two possible routes for entering the United States with a Family Reunification Visa: the first is as a resident, sponsored by a spouse or child who is a U.S. citizen. Allen explained that in this scenario, Menéndez Castellanos must have been separated from the Communist Party for at least five years and received a waiver for his past party affiliation, in addition to passing a consular interview.
The other option is entering with a parole under Family Reunification. "How was this approved?" the attorney wondered. In this case, after one year and one day, he would have the option to apply for residency, during which he must disclose his past affiliations with the Communist Party, the Armed Forces, and his close association with Fidel Castro.
Pentón confirmed that the former official entered as a resident after completing a reunification process. He now has the right to even enjoy health insurance in the United States, funded by the taxes of American workers and businesses.
Allen cautioned that "immigration fraud never expires, and when discovered, the consequences are severe." In his opinion, Menéndez Castellanos' case should be investigated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If investigations reveal that false information was provided or details were concealed during the Family Reunification process, this former high-ranking communist official could face deportation.
Upon his arrival in Miami, Menéndez Castellanos attempted to remain unnoticed. He wore a cap, face mask, sunglasses, and was in a wheelchair with a black bag on his lap. His family surrounded him to keep the press at bay and refused to make any statements.
Manuel Menéndez Castellanos had been involved in leadership roles in Cuba since 1972. He first served in the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC), then as the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Cienfuegos (1993-2003). He was a member of the National Assembly for several years and was noted for his role in Fidel Castro's coordination and support team.
Key Questions about Manuel Menéndez Castellanos' Entry to the U.S.
The case of Manuel Menéndez Castellanos has raised several important questions regarding his entry into the United States and the potential consequences if any fraud is discovered. Here are some key inquiries and their answers.
How did Manuel Menéndez Castellanos enter the United States?
Manuel Menéndez Castellanos entered the United States through Miami International Airport using a Family Reunification Visa.
What are the conditions for entering the U.S. with a Family Reunification Visa?
To enter the U.S. with a Family Reunification Visa, one must either be sponsored by a U.S. citizen spouse or child and have been separated from the Communist Party for at least five years with a waiver, or enter with a parole under Family Reunification and apply for residency after one year and a day.
Could Manuel Menéndez Castellanos face deportation?
Yes, if investigations by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reveal that fraud or concealment of information occurred during the Family Reunification process, Menéndez Castellanos could be deported.