A team from the United States, led by Eric Jacobstein, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, convened in Havana on Wednesday, December 4th, with Cuban officials headed by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío. This meeting, the second scheduled for 2024, aimed to evaluate the execution of the Migration Agreements between the two nations, focusing on reaffirming both parties' commitment to fostering safe, legal, and orderly migration.
Throughout the discussions, both challenges and progress in migration procedures were scrutinized. According to the U.S. Embassy in Havana, the American delegation highlighted essential topics related to collaboration in migration processes and underscored the hurdles in achieving these goals. Additionally, they raised vital interests with the Cuban government, such as facilitating family reunification, discouraging irregular migration, and enhancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba.
In his closing remarks, Fernández de Cossío emphasized the necessity of maintaining a constructive dialogue to tackle migration challenges. Meanwhile, Brian A. Nichols, the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, highlighted the successes achieved within these bilateral agreements on social media.
With just over a month since Donald Trump returned to the White House, known for his tough stance against illegal immigration, the meeting underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing these complex issues while acknowledging the ongoing differences between the two governments concerning human rights and governance.
The most recent data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that in the first month of the fiscal year 2025, over eight thousand Cubans entered the United States illegally. The report provides general data and allows for specification by nationality. A total of 8,261 individuals from the island were detected by border authorities, against a backdrop marked by migration uncertainties and shifts in immigration policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S.-Cuba Migration Talks
What was the main purpose of the recent U.S.-Cuba meeting?
The main purpose was to review the implementation of the Migration Agreements between the U.S. and Cuba, emphasizing the commitment to safe, legal, and orderly migration.
Who led the U.S. delegation in the talks with Cuba?
The U.S. delegation was led by Eric Jacobstein, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
How many Cubans entered the U.S. illegally at the start of the fiscal year 2025?
In the first month of the fiscal year 2025, more than eight thousand Cubans, specifically 8,261, entered the U.S. illegally.
What are some key issues discussed in the migration talks?
Key issues included family reunification, discouraging irregular migration, and improving human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba.