Television host Carlos Otero has voiced his concerns over the extended delays in family reunification processes for Cubans in the United States. Through his social media show, "La Hora de Carlos," he shared his personal experience, which mirrors the plight of thousands of fellow Cubans who have been waiting for years to reunite with their loved ones.
Eight-Year Wait for His Son’s Visa
Otero disclosed that his eldest son, Carlos Manuel Otero Franco, aged 37, has been waiting for his visa approval for the past eight years to legally travel to the United States. Having emigrated in 2007, Otero expressed his frustration at the authorities' lack of action. He explained that when he became a U.S. citizen, he was assured that the process of claiming his son would take only four months. Yet, nearly eight years have passed without resolution.
"I want to take this opportunity to send a message to the State Department of this great nation. I want to reach out to our congressmen, Carlos Giménez, María Elvira Salazar… and Mr. Marco Rubio," Otero began during his show.
Speaking on behalf of all Cubans who have been seeking family reunification for many years, Otero made it clear that he does not criticize those who enter the U.S. through other means to improve their quality of life. However, he urged Congress to review family reunification cases. He explained that his son's case was approved by USCIS in September 2023, but the process has stalled at the State Department.
"How is it possible that my son’s visa has been authorized by USCIS since September 2023, and it’s been almost two years in the State Department?" he questioned. According to Otero, the only step remaining is for the visa to be sent to Havana, enabling his son to attend the consular interview and finally travel to the U.S. to reunite with him and his siblings after 18 years apart.
Otero acknowledged that the humanitarian parole program and other immigration processes have caused "disruptions," but he emphasized the urgent need to prioritize family reunification cases. "Our congressmen need to review... Somewhere in a bureau, there must be the visas of all the people who have been trying for a long time to reunite with their families," he stressed.
The 63-year-old presenter also called on the Cuban community in the U.S. to press their political representatives to prioritize these cases. "If you know any congressman, send them this message," he urged his audience. "If someone achieves it before me, congratulations. If I achieve it first, congratulations as well. But we need to be heard," he concluded.
In the comments section of his YouTube channel, Otero received thanks from many individuals facing similar situations. His case is not isolated: many Cubans have reported waiting between 10 to 15 years to complete their family reunification processes, while others have managed to enter the U.S. more quickly through parole and other immigration pathways.
Understanding the Cuban Family Reunification Program
The Cuban Family Reunification Program (CFRP) is a U.S. government initiative that allows certain U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for an advance entry permit for their relatives in Cuba. This program enables beneficiaries to enter U.S. territory before their immigrant visas are available, providing a safe and orderly path for family reunification.
Established in 2007, the CFRP aims to offer a legal and structured alternative for the immigration of Cuban family members, thereby avoiding hazardous and irregular routes. However, in recent times, the Trump administration ordered an "administrative pause" on immigration processes for thousands of beneficiaries of programs like humanitarian parole and family reunification.
Insights into Family Reunification Challenges for Cubans
What is causing delays in Cuban family reunification?
Delays in Cuban family reunification are primarily due to bureaucratic backlogs at the State Department and changes in immigration policies, including pauses on certain programs under the Trump administration.
How does the Cuban Family Reunification Program work?
The CFRP allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for advance entry permits for their relatives in Cuba, facilitating their entry to the U.S. before immigrant visas are available, thus promoting safe and organized family reunification.
What steps are being taken to address these reunification delays?
Advocacy efforts by community leaders like Carlos Otero and pressure on political representatives aim to prioritize and expedite these cases, though systemic changes in policy and processing are also necessary.