Based in Florida, the organization Solidarity Without Borders has reached out to Secretary of State Marco Rubio through a letter dated March 10th, urging him to revive the parole program for Cuban doctors. These healthcare professionals, often subjected to exploitation in the so-called "missions" by the Cuban regime worldwide, or those caught in an immigration limbo in the United States, are in desperate need of this program. Julio César Alfonso Sánchez, the organization's president, expressed his firm belief in a conversation with CiberCuba, stating he's "absolutely convinced" that "we will achieve this."
The parole program for Cuban doctors was initially implemented in 2006 under the administration of George W. Bush but was suspended during the thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations under Barack Obama and Raúl Castro in 2017. During those 11 years, approximately 18,000 Cuban professionals took advantage of this immigration pathway to regularize their status in the U.S.
Currently, Solidarity Without Borders is actively engaging with Marco Rubio's office. Despite the parole suspension being one of the first actions taken by President Donald Trump, Julio César Alfonso argues that reinstating the parole for doctors is feasible. He asserts that the Republican government's battle is against illegal immigration, and as such, when illegal entry points are shut down, it makes sense to open legal avenues.
Alfonso is optimistic that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will reopen the parole for Cuban doctors, especially given the current shortage of healthcare professionals in the U.S. He believes this move would not only address issues in Florida but also cut off a significant revenue source for the Cuban regime, estimated at $11 billion, which surpasses earnings from sectors like tourism.
If the parole is reinstated, Alfonso estimates that between 3,000 and 5,000 Cuban healthcare professionals worldwide, as well as those currently in a U.S. immigration limbo, could benefit. In his letter to Marco Rubio, Alfonso highlighted that in February 2025, the State Department announced the restriction of visas for individuals exploiting Cuban workers, implicitly acknowledging the ongoing modern slavery and human trafficking issues faced by Cuban health professionals in the regime's medical missions.
Cuban Doctors Parole Program FAQs
What is the parole program for Cuban doctors?
The parole program for Cuban doctors allows healthcare professionals from Cuba to regularize their immigration status in the United States. It was implemented to help those exploited by the Cuban regime's medical missions.
Why was the parole program suspended?
The program was suspended in 2017 during the thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations under Barack Obama and Raúl Castro, as part of broader negotiations and policy changes.
How many Cuban doctors benefited from the program before its suspension?
Before its suspension, approximately 18,000 Cuban doctors were able to use the parole program to regularize their status in the United States.