On Saturday, former Cuban spy Gerardo Hernández Nordelo responded to the latest immigration measures announced by Donald Trump's administration, which include the revocation of humanitarian parole for citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. As the current national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), Hernández posted a cryptic message on Facebook, repeating the clock-like onomatopoeia "tic tac" to express his views on the elimination of immigration benefits for Cubans.
Hernández questioned, "How did the haters say it? Tic tac, tic tac. TV lies... tic tac. The parole... tic tac. What else?" Does his statement hint at the belief among activists and opposition that the Cuban regime is running out of time? Or is he suggesting that time will prove Cuban television is not "lying," or perhaps he is simply pausing for effect?
The ambiguity of his message, while offering some clues, prevents a clear understanding of his intent. Nonetheless, it has provided material for irony regarding his repetitive use of "tic tac." One online commenter even remarked, "The empire of Cuba, tic toc toc toc, is also running out of time."
Another critic used the expression to mock Gerardo, pointing out that he, too, relies on those he labels as "haters." The comment read, "How about your own 'Tic Tac, Tic Tac'? You live off the haters because your government doesn't work, and you are a parasite of the empire; your people are in misery, and no one believes the blockade story anymore."
Hernández’s post emerged a day after it was revealed that beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela might face deportation. This follows the termination of the program allowing temporary entry for humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons.
An official draft by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), signed by Secretary Kristi Noem, specifies that individuals without another legal basis to remain in the U.S. must leave the country or face deportation proceedings. In total, over 532,000 people entered the U.S. under these programs between 2022 and 2025. The recent parole revocation announcement leaves approximately 26,000 Cuban nationals, who entered the U.S. post-March 2024, legally vulnerable.
These Cubans do not yet meet the requirement of a year and a day of U.S. residency necessary to seek protection under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA).
Impact of Trump's Immigration Policies on Cuban Nationals
What is the recent immigration policy change by Trump's administration?
The Trump administration has revoked the humanitarian parole for citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, potentially leading to deportation for those without legal status.
How does this affect Cuban nationals in the U.S.?
Approximately 26,000 Cubans who entered the U.S. after March 2024 could be left without legal protection, as they do not meet the residency requirement for the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA)?
The Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cuban nationals to become permanent residents of the U.S. after residing in the country for at least one year and one day.