The Historical Diocesan Archive of Ourense has identified a disturbing black market of forged documents in Cuba related to the acquisition of Spanish nationality through the Democratic Memory Law, often referred to as the Grandchildren Law. Pablo Cid, who oversees the Diocesan Archive, highlighted that while these certificates cost a mere 10 euros in Spain, they are being sold in Cuba for amounts ranging between 2,000 and 3,000 euros. "Initially, we were puzzled as to why Cuban authorities insisted on documents bearing the vicar's signature, but we soon uncovered that our documents were being falsified," Cid revealed during an interview on Telemiño's program "En Portada."
The Diocesan Archive fields approximately 50 information requests daily, mainly from Cuba, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. Descendants of Ourense natives, spanning second and third generations, are eager to obtain documentation that can prove their lineage and secure Spanish citizenship.
The Economic Crisis Fuels Emigration Hopes
For many Cubans, acquiring Spanish citizenship offers a lifeline amid the island's economic turmoil. However, the overwhelming demand and deadline pressure—set for October 22, 2025—have led to a clandestine market and the rise of intermediaries profiting from this process. "We're aware that some law firms act solely as middlemen. We charge 10 euros for a document, yet they charge up to 300 euros," Cid criticized.
Challenges in Tracing Ancestral Records
The Historical Diocesan Archive of Ourense houses over 12,000 parish books, some dating back over five centuries. Nevertheless, the search for records is fraught with challenges: poor conservation, church fires, and documents not yet transferred to archives complicate the task. This archive is a crucial resource for genealogical research and local history, preserving records of baptisms, marriages, deaths, and other vital documents necessary for acquiring Spanish citizenship.
Cuba Among Top Applicants
Juan Manuel de Hoz, spokesperson for the Center of United Spanish Descendants (CeDEU), noted that about 300,000 Cubans are currently registered at the consulate for citizenship processing. Alongside Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Rosario, Cuba ranks among the highest in application volume. By December 31, 2023, the consular network had received 226,354 Cuban applications, with 110,540 approved and 69,421 registrations completed.
Potential Extensions Beyond October
Although the deadline for applications is October 22, experts consulted by InfoCivitano suggest that those securing an appointment can finalize their processes until 2028, thanks to a digital platform designed to facilitate management. However, this does not imply an extension of the deadline but rather ensures that applicants who have started the process can complete it without being hindered by lack of appointments or resources.
Understanding the Grandchildren Law and Its Impact
What is the Grandchildren Law?
The Grandchildren Law, formally known as the Democratic Memory Law, allows descendants of Spanish nationals to apply for Spanish citizenship, facilitating the process for those with familial ties to Spain.
Why is there a black market for documents in Cuba?
The black market has emerged due to the high demand for Spanish citizenship among Cubans seeking to escape economic hardship, leading to document forgery and inflated prices by intermediaries.
How are Spanish authorities responding to document fraud?
Spanish authorities are enhancing scrutiny and verification processes to combat document fraud, especially in regions with high application volumes like Cuba.