On Friday, Cuban writer and political analyst Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo introduced a thought-provoking concept: Cuba might embark on a gradual path toward integration with the United States, potentially leading to a political union akin to the unresolved debates surrounding Puerto Rico.
Pardo Lazo shared this idea during an interview with CiberCuba, outlining a step-by-step integration process between Florida and Cuba. The phases he described include economic integration, followed by legal, monetary, and ultimately political unification.
Economic and Monetary Integration
The analyst envisions a close economic relationship between Florida and Cuba that could eventually foster a comprehensive business understanding. "I foresee an almost economic merger between Florida and Cuba, leading to a full business synergy," Pardo Lazo stated.
On the monetary front, he suggested, "Voices may emerge advocating for a law merger similar to the European Union, perhaps even a monetary fusion. Why print money with Cuban martyrs when we could feature Celia Cruz on the dollar?"
Political Parallels with Puerto Rico
Pardo Lazo drew parallels with Puerto Rico's prolonged debate over statehood, free association, and independence, which has seen referendums in 1967, 1993, 2012, 2017, and 2020, yet the U.S. Congress has not granted statehood.
"At some point, this economic fusion might lead to considerations of political merger, as has been discussed numerous times in Puerto Rico, where votes have been cast for statehood, non-statehood, free association, and independence," he noted.
The Role of the Cuban Diaspora
The analyst argued that the Cuban diaspora already signifies a deep integration with the U.S. "The Cuban people, when consulted freely and with necessary procedural guarantees, could surprise us by saying: we're already here, in Miami," he remarked.
Indeed, over 2.5 million Cubans reside in the U.S., primarily in Florida, and bilateral trade expanded by 148% from 2021 to 2025, despite sanctions.
Current Geopolitical Context
This proposal emerges at a time of heightened U.S. pressure on Havana. Since January 2026, the Trump administration has imposed more than 240 new sanctions against Cuba, intercepted at least seven fuel tankers, and cut the island's energy imports by 80% to 90%, leading to power outages lasting up to 25 hours daily.
In this scenario, Pardo Lazo described the Cuban regime as a decaying system: "There's no revolution in Cuba anymore, no dictatorship, just a regime disconnected from reality, unable to provide water, healthcare, sanitation, electricity, education, sports, television—nothing."
He also claimed in the interview that Marco Rubio "is eyeing the U.S. presidency," which could explain the intensified pressure on Havana beyond electoral calculations in Florida.
Pardo Lazo concluded his reflection with a statement that captures the boldness of his thesis: "Perhaps the revolution was the longest path from neocolonialism to full economic and financial integration with the United States of America." He added with an open invitation to debate: "One can agree or disagree."
Understanding Cuba's Integration Proposal
What is Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo's proposal regarding Cuba?
Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo suggests that Cuba could gradually integrate with the United States in stages, starting with economic ties and potentially leading to political unification, similar to ongoing debates in Puerto Rico.
How does Pardo Lazo compare Cuba's situation to Puerto Rico?
Pardo Lazo compares Cuba's potential integration process with Puerto Rico's long-standing discussions about statehood, free association, and independence, highlighting the similarities in political debates.
What role does the Cuban diaspora play in this proposal?
The Cuban diaspora in the United States, particularly in Florida, already represents a significant integration with the U.S., which could influence opinions on potential future political unification.
What context surrounds Pardo Lazo's proposal?
Pardo Lazo's proposal comes amid increased U.S. sanctions and pressure on Cuba, with major impacts on the island's economy and infrastructure, raising questions about the viability of its current regime.