The Cuban government has expressed its willingness to accept deported migrants from the United States, provided that the bilateral agreements established between the two nations are respected. In a recent interview on the government-affiliated program Mesa Redonda, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized the necessity of ensuring migration that is regular, safe, and orderly, highlighting that returns should occur in accordance with the agreed terms.
Despite facing an unprecedented economic crisis, the administration led by Miguel Díaz-Canel remains committed to accepting migrants who seek better opportunities in the U.S. but have been detained and expelled. Since the resumption of return flights to Cuba in April 2023, hundreds of Cubans have been deported, many of whom have no guarantees of reintegration into an impoverished society and are under the watchful eye of State Security. The returnees encounter interrogations, employment limitations, and, in some instances, political persecution for having left the country.
Impact and Reality of Deportations
In February, a flight from the United States returned 104 Cuban migrants, including 84 men, 19 women, and a minor, marking the beginning of the mass deportations promised by the administration of Donald Trump. While the official narrative claims that Cuba advocates for “regular, safe, and orderly” migration, Fernández de Cossío accused the U.S. of historically using migration policy as a “destabilization tool” against the island, by denying visas and encouraging irregular migration.
However, this stance overlooks an undeniable reality: Cubans flee the country not only due to Washington's immigration restrictions but also because of the lack of freedoms, political repression, and poverty that the regime itself has exacerbated.
The Underlying Causes of Irregular Migration
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the operations of human trafficking networks from U.S. territory, noting that the illegal journey to the U.S. can cost between $7,000 and $18,000 per person. Yet, he omitted mentioning the role of Cuban authorities in this phenomenon. The dollarization of the economy, exorbitant taxes, and the absence of legal emigration options have made irregular departure the only viable alternative for thousands of Cubans.
It's no secret that regime officials benefit from this exodus, facilitating clandestine routes, such as visa-free travel to Nicaragua, or turning a blind eye to human trafficking networks, eager for desperate citizens to leave the country.
The Broader Implications and Future Prospects
Lastly, Fernández de Cossío emphasized that the Cuban diaspora is an integral part of the nation, including the descendants of Cubans born abroad. He asserted that the Cuban government is working to strengthen ties with its emigrants, despite U.S. policies aimed at limiting these connections.
The fear of mass deportations has grown among Cubans in the U.S., particularly following the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump. Additionally, the tightening of deportations has incited panic in South Florida communities, spurred by laws advocated by Governor Ron DeSantis.
While the regime continues to tout its sovereignty and adherence to agreements, the truth is that its immigration policy is more about mitigating potential measures from the Trump administration that could further impact the island's economy, such as flight suspensions and restrictions on Cuban American tourism, as expressed by Mario J. Pentón, a journalist for Martí Noticias. Accepting deportees without providing a future merely perpetuates the cycle of poverty and repression that has driven over 500,000 Cubans to leave the country in the past two years.
No matter how many are returned, the question remains: What future awaits them on an island that has become a prison without walls?
Understanding Cuban Deportation Policies
Why is Cuba accepting deported migrants from the U.S.?
Cuba is accepting deported migrants in accordance with bilateral agreements with the U.S., aiming to ensure regular, safe, and orderly migration.
How does the Cuban government view the U.S. immigration policy?
The Cuban government accuses the U.S. of using immigration policy as a tool for destabilization and criticizes the denial of visas and promotion of irregular migration.
What challenges do deported Cubans face upon returning?
Deported Cubans face interrogations, employment limitations, and potential political persecution without guarantees for reintegration into Cuban society.
What are the economic factors driving Cubans to emigrate?
Factors include the dollarization of the economy, high taxes, lack of legal emigration options, and the facilitation of clandestine routes by Cuban officials.