Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has voiced strong support for her colleague Carlos Giménez's initiative, which calls for an investigation and potential deportation of 100 Cubans linked to the Castro regime. Many of these individuals reportedly entered the United States under the humanitarian parole program.
In a fervent video shared on her X account, Salazar was unequivocal: "Humanitarian visas are meant for those fleeing oppressors, not for the oppressors themselves." She further emphasized, "Those who will live in freedom are the ones who were tortured and persecuted by these scoundrels. The scoundrels should return to Ali Baba's lair and the 40 thieves, but not in the United States."
The congresswoman also criticized what she perceives as flaws in the immigration system, asserting that many oppressors gained entry due to "irregularities within President Biden's administration." She warned that under Donald Trump's leadership, "such individuals would not reside within our community."
Salazar applauded Giménez for his leadership in addressing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): "Kudos to Carlos Giménez for submitting the names of Cuban spies and communist agents who deceived the system to enter the U.S. under humanitarian parole. I fully support the investigation and deportation of all these individuals who pose a severe threat to national security."
This week, Congressman Giménez introduced a report titled "Cuban Oppressors in the United States of America," identifying former military personnel, intelligence agents, former Cuban government officials, and members of repressive forces who, despite their human rights violation records, have managed to settle in the United States.
"The presence of these regime operatives not only endangers our communities but also provides the Cuban regime with a base for espionage, political coercion, and illicit activities within our borders," warned Giménez in a letter sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
So far, immigration authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the report's content. However, the case of former intelligence agent Tomás Emilio Hernández Cruz, recently arrested in Florida for concealing his repressive history in his immigration application, has garnered significant media attention and could pave the way for similar proceedings against others named in the list.
For years, the Cuban exile community has demanded greater scrutiny of the backgrounds of those seeking asylum in the United States, arguing that the presence of former regime officials on American soil betrays the principles of freedom and justice that this country represents.
Now, with explicit support from figures like María Elvira Salazar and Carlos Giménez, pressure on the DHS to investigate and deport alleged Cuban oppressors is mounting, amid a landscape where immigration debates and national security are increasingly prominent on the American political agenda.
Key Questions on Cuban Oppressors in the U.S.
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program allows individuals to enter the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
Why are Cuban officials under scrutiny in the U.S.?
Cuban officials are under scrutiny due to their alleged involvement in human rights violations and their potential threat to U.S. national security.
How does this issue impact U.S. immigration policy?
This issue highlights the need for stringent background checks and could lead to policy changes to prevent potential threats from entering the U.S. under humanitarian programs.