Miguel Díaz-Canel shared some intriguing insights on Tuesday regarding the deportation of Cuban migrants by the United States and the repercussions for Cuba, amidst Washington's newly imposed migration restrictions.
In an interview recorded during the "Coloquio Patria" with four Spanish journalists, Díaz-Canel criticized the mass deportations from the United States. He described them as "irresponsible" actions by the U.S. government, accusing it of previously encouraging migration. He highlighted the Cuban case as a prime example, pointing to the Cuban Adjustment Act which grants island citizens certain advantages over others.
"I believe it is neither responsible nor fair for a country that has promoted migration and sold the American dream not only to Cubans but to Latin Americans and people worldwide, to now speak of mass deportations. On what legal grounds? Based on what principles of law?" he questioned.
The Cuban leader condemned the deportations as an "aggressive, brutal, and inhumane" policy. "In international relations and especially in dealing with a global issue like migration, there should be harmony and assurance for people to exercise their rights, not repression or mass deportations," he asserted, with words that burn on his lips.
Díaz-Canel also emphasized the need for ensuring "a guarantee for people to exercise their rights." In a peculiar show of goodwill, he mentioned that his administration has "prohibited" deportees from disembarking planes in handcuffs. As if returning to Cuba wasn't already a symbolic punishment.
"In Cuba, we have forbidden anyone to disembark in handcuffs. A deportee cannot arrive in Cuba restrained. We do not allow that. No one arrives on Cuban soil in handcuffs. There must be dignity in reaching a migration agreement. It’s a sensitive matter for those involved," he stated.
The leader proudly noted that deportations are not a new issue for Cuba, given an existing migration agreement with the U.S. that addresses the island's concerns. "What seems new to other countries is already in agreement with the U.S. We do not accept pressure in deportations. We adhere to the principles of those migration agreements," he remarked.
Díaz-Canel explained that Cuba entered these agreements to promote "orderly migration, ensuring it is safe and legal." He also referenced reforms in Cuba's migration policy that lifted restrictions on Cubans leaving the country, making a sardonic comment about those who left legally yet became "illegal" after undertaking perilous journeys through Central America to reach the U.S. southern border.
Without an iota of self-reflection regarding the dire economic situation driving thousands of Cubans to seek a better life elsewhere, Díaz-Canel listed those who took on challenging routes through Central America with a hint of disdain. "These are the ones you see passing through Mexico, some have ventured into the Darién Gap, others are coming from Central American countries trying to reach the border. They left Cuba legally, yet they become illegal due to these policies," he commented.
In the closing statements of this segment, Díaz-Canel referred to a commitment the United States has not always honored—issuing a minimum of 20,000 visas annually.
Exploring Cuba-U.S. Migration Dynamics
What are Díaz-Canel's main criticisms of U.S. deportation policies?
Díaz-Canel criticizes the U.S. deportation policies as irresponsible and unfair, accusing the U.S. of having previously encouraged migration and now conducting mass deportations without proper legal justification.
How does Díaz-Canel view Cuba's handling of deportees?
Díaz-Canel emphasizes that Cuba does not allow deportees to disembark in handcuffs, highlighting a focus on maintaining dignity and respecting human rights in the deportation process.
What migration agreements exist between Cuba and the U.S.?
Cuba and the U.S. have a migration agreement that aims to ensure orderly, safe, and legal migration. This includes a commitment by the U.S. to issue a minimum of 20,000 visas per year, a promise not always fulfilled according to Díaz-Canel.