The Cuban government announced on Wednesday that it is "unrealistic" to assume that the Trump administration would carry out mass deportations of Cubans, offering a detailed explanation for its stance. "It's crucial to remember that there are existing migration agreements between Cuba and the United States, and any issues of this nature, including potential deportations, must align with what these agreements stipulate," stated Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, during a press conference following the recent round of migration talks between the two nations.
Fernández de Cossío asserted that, in this framework, it is not realistic to anticipate mass deportations from the U.S. to Cuba. He also criticized the incoming U.S. administration's deportation plans as "quite drastic" and "rather unjust."
The senior Cuban official further commented on the impact of uprooting Cubans who have established their lives in the United States. "Attempting to deport hundreds of thousands of Cubans—figures that are sometimes mentioned—would mean uprooting individuals who have already built their lives in the U.S., are employed there, and, in many cases, have families there," he emphasized.
Furthermore, Fernández de Cossío argued that organizing mass deportations of Cubans would be inconsistent with the U.S.'s long-standing policy towards the island, which has favored Cuban migrants. "For decades, there has been an evident policy by the U.S. government to prioritize Cuban migrants," he concluded, without directly referencing the Cuban Adjustment Act, which provides benefits to Cuban migrants after one year and one day in the U.S.
Recent Migration Talks and Their Implications
The migration meeting, which was the last under President Joe Biden's administration, was described as "constructive" and "frank" by the Cuban vice minister. American representatives, led by Eric Jacobstein, also took part in the session. This marked the fifth round of negotiations since talks resumed in 2022 after a hiatus during Trump's administration (2017-2021).
Fernández de Cossío highlighted Cuba's commitment to honoring migration agreements and expressed concerns over increased human trafficking and the aggressive treatment of Cuban migrants at U.S. airports. During the discussion, the Cuban government requested that the United States normalize consular services in Havana, especially the issuance of non-immigrant visas, which are currently processed in third countries like Guyana.
Cuba also reiterated its opposition to the Cuban Adjustment Act, viewing it as a catalyst for irregular departures. Between January 2022 and October 2024, more than 900,000 Cubans emigrated to the United States through irregular means or were aided by programs like the humanitarian parole.
Future Uncertainty Amid Political Changes
The latest round of migration dialogues concluded under a cloud of uncertainty, especially with the potential re-election of Donald Trump, which could forecast an even more tense migration scenario for both countries. Meanwhile, Cuba is facing an unprecedented exodus, with thousands seeking opportunities abroad amid a severe economic crisis.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Migration Dynamics
What are the migration agreements between Cuba and the U.S.?
The migration agreements between Cuba and the U.S. outline the processes and guidelines for regular and legal migration, including deportations, ensuring adherence to established regulations.
Why does Cuba oppose the Cuban Adjustment Act?
Cuba opposes the Cuban Adjustment Act because it believes the act encourages irregular migration by providing special benefits to Cuban migrants after a certain period in the U.S.
How has the U.S. historically treated Cuban migrants?
Historically, the U.S. has favored Cuban migrants, offering them a privileged status compared to migrants from other countries, especially under policies like the Cuban Adjustment Act.