Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola has revealed that U.S. authorities are currently examining between 42,000 and 47,000 suspected cases of fraudulent political asylum applications submitted by Cuban citizens over the past four years. On February 7, during his show "Hola Ota-Ola," he highlighted that these cases are being meticulously reviewed to identify any irregularities in the documentation and to determine if the applicants have recently traveled back to Cuba, which could undermine the legitimacy of their claims.
"These are political asylum cases of recently arrived Cubans and those from the last four years, currently under scrutiny as authorities are on the lookout for fraudulent documents and asylum beneficiaries who have returned to Cuba recently," Otaola stated. This has been a longstanding demand from many prominent voices in exile who oppose the use of political asylum as a means to settle in the United States, arguing that some beneficiaries travel back to the island for vacations, suggesting they are not persecuted there.
"My dear brothers, when the roundup starts, I don't want to hear any crying. OK? Remember that every action has its consequence. Sometimes it catches up with you immediately, and other times you think you've escaped the wrath of Jehovah, but no. Justice reaches you when you least expect it," Otaola declared during his broadcast.
The influencer also issued a warning to Cubans holding political asylum who are contemplating trips back to the island. "You may not be able to return," he cautioned. This refers to the possibility that such trips could be interpreted as evidence that these individuals do not face a real threat in their home country, contradicting the basis of their asylum application.
This announcement coincides with the arrival of the first groups of deported immigrants to the U.S. Naval Base in Guantánamo, Cuba, as part of the deportation policy implemented by the Trump Administration. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, stated that "President Trump has been very clear: Guantánamo Bay will house the worst of the worst," reinforcing the policy aimed at incarcerating immigrants accused of serious crimes.
The new detention center being constructed in Guantánamo will have the capacity to hold 30,000 individuals. Meanwhile, the Cuban community in the United States watches with uncertainty as these investigations unfold and considers their potential impact on the lives of a significant number of migrants.
Understanding the U.S. Investigation into Cuban Asylum Claims
Why is the U.S. investigating Cuban asylum claims?
The U.S. is investigating Cuban asylum claims to identify fraudulent applications and assess whether applicants have traveled back to Cuba, which could question the legitimacy of their asylum requests.
What might happen to Cubans with fraudulent asylum claims?
Cubans with fraudulent asylum claims might face revocation of their asylum status and potential deportation, especially if their travel to Cuba suggests they do not face persecution.
What is the significance of the new detention center in Guantánamo?
The new detention center in Guantánamo is significant as it will have the capacity to detain 30,000 immigrants and is part of the U.S. policy to incarcerate those accused of serious crimes.