The Patmos Institute has raised concerns about the alarming increase in former Cuban officials entering the United States "without showing any remorse" and "lying to U.S. immigration services to evade or conceal responsibilities." In a statement published on their blog, the independent organization—founded in 2013 and dedicated to promoting human rights, religious freedom, and freedom of expression—expressed regret that important programs such as political refugee initiatives have not been resumed, which would align with U.S. policy that has historically supported human rights on the international stage.
"The reality is that while Cuban repressors arrive in the United States with total impunity, their victims in Cuba remain suffering as hostages to the horrors of Castroism," the organization lamented. The Patmos Institute noted that the families of dissidents, political prisoners, and pastors harassed by the regime have often not had the "good fortune enjoyed by the repressors."
High-Profile Entry Raises Concerns
The Patmos Institute cited the recent arrival of Manuel Menéndez Castellanos in Miami as the latest example of the brazenness with which former Castro officials enter the U.S. Menéndez Castellanos, who served for ten years as the first secretary of the PCC in the province of Cienfuegos and was part of Fidel Castro's support and coordination group, entered through a more rigorous process than the Parole (family reunification) program on August 15.
“He entered on August 15 at Miami Airport through a more stringent process than Parole, where it is indeed checked whether the person was a member of the PCC, which the former official clearly denied,” Patmos pointed out.
The organization referred to a letter dated August 13, 2024, sent to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas by several senior members of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Signed by Mark Green, Clay Higgins, and Dan Bishop, among others, the letter called for an investigation into potential irregularities in the processing of the humanitarian Parole program.
The letter mentioned that "numerous oversight alerts" directed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the implementation of the humanitarian Parole program "were not properly heeded."
In the final segment of their statement, the Patmos Institute expressed hope that "soon the processes and programs will be carried out justly," but noted that "in the current disorder, it seems all too evident that the opposite is happening."
FAQs on Cuban Officials and U.S. Immigration
Here we address some frequently asked questions about the entry of former Cuban officials into the United States and their impact on immigration processes.
Why is the Patmos Institute concerned about former Cuban officials entering the U.S.?
The Patmos Institute is concerned because these officials are entering the U.S. without showing any remorse and are lying to U.S. immigration services to evade or conceal their responsibilities.
What specific example did the Patmos Institute cite?
The Institute cited the arrival of Manuel Menéndez Castellanos, who served as the first secretary of the PCC in Cienfuegos and was part of Fidel Castro's support and coordination group.
What actions have U.S. officials taken regarding this issue?
Several senior members of the House Committee on Homeland Security have sent a letter to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling for an investigation into potential irregularities in the processing of the humanitarian Parole program.