After applying for political asylum in the United States, Juan Carlos Santana Novoa, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security from Cuba, intends to make Florida his new home, according to court documents obtained by Martí Noticias. Santana Novoa requested asylum at the Nogales, Arizona border, and his initial hearing in the U.S. Immigration Court is set for August 21, 2026, in Orlando, presided over by Judge Benjamin Rosen.
This case has attracted significant attention because Santana concealed his governmental role upon entering the U.S. According to anonymous sources within the U.S. government, the deputy minister sought refuge without initially disclosing his position within the Cuban regime, as reported by the media outlet.
Luis Domínguez from the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba highlighted that Santana has two children living in the U.S., one of whom arrived recently as well. Immigration lawyer Wilfredo Allen commented that the arrival of high-ranking Cuban officials signals the worsening political situation on the island, noting that Santana was forthright in his application: "He requested political asylum, presented himself, and stated who he was." Allen added that cooperation with U.S. authorities might improve his chances of success in the asylum process.
The minister's arrival was first reported by journalist Mario J. Pentón on social media platform X, based on anonymous government sources and immigrants who interacted with the high-ranking official without knowing his true identity. It also emerged that Santana Novoa had missed a CBP One appointment due to being in Cuba and was reportedly secretive about his family and past.
Travel companions disclosed that he was the only one admitted into the United States. "He was called, asked if he was traveling with his wife or alone, had his face scanned, and was allowed entry, while the rest of us were told our appointment wasn’t at this port. We’re devastated and, at the same time, afraid of being associated with him and possibly placed on a blacklist," one of the interviewees shared with disappointment.
Background and Political Implications
Though deleted, a Facebook post by the Cuban Embassy in Mexico dated September 4 revealed that the Cuban Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security participated in a panel titled "Structural Reforms and Longevity" during the First Technical Summit of the American Social Security Commissions held in Mexico City. Santana Novoa was appointed as the deputy minister on January 11, 2022, as stated on the official page of the entity.
He joins a growing list of Cuban officials seeking refuge in the U.S., including former prosecutor Rosabel Roca Sampedro and former Communist Party leader in Cienfuegos, Manuel Menéndez Castellanos. To date, the Cuban regime has remained silent regarding its deputy minister’s asylum request.