The Cuban government stated this Wednesday that it is "not realistic" to assume that the Donald Trump administration will carry out mass deportations of Cubans and explained its reasoning.
"It is important to remember that there are migration agreements between Cuba and the United States, and any issues of this nature, including potential deportations, must be addressed within the framework established by these agreements," said Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Deputy Minister of Foreign Relations, at a press conference following the round of migration talks between the two countries.
"In that context, it is not realistic to think that there will be mass deportations from the United States to Cuba," he added.
Fernández de Cossío took the opportunity to describe the deportation plans of the incoming U.S. government as "quite drastic" and "quite unjust."
The high-ranking Cuban official then referred to what it would mean to "uproot" Cubans who have built their lives in the United States.
"Attempting to deport hundreds of thousands of Cubans back to Cuba, which are the figures that are sometimes mentioned, would uproot individuals who have already built their lives in the United States, work there, and many have families there," he noted.
Thirdly, Fernández de Cossío stated that organizing mass deportations of Cubans would not be consistent with the policy the U.S. has maintained towards the island in recent decades, which has favored migrants coming from Cuba.
"There has historically been, for decades, a clear policy by the United States government to favor migrants from Cuba," he concluded, without making a direct reference to the Cuban Adjustment Act, which grants advantages to migrants from the island once they have been in U.S. territory for a year and a day.
The migration meeting—the last under President Joe Biden's administration—was described as "constructive" and "frank" by the Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister.
U.S. representatives, led by Eric Jacobstein, also participated in the session, which marked the fifth round of negotiations since they resumed in 2022 after a hiatus during the Trump administration (2017-2021).
Fernández de Cossío emphasized that "Cuba intends to comply with migration agreements," and expressed his concern about the increase in human trafficking, as well as the aggressive treatment of Cuban migrants at U.S. airports.
During the meeting, the Cuban government requested that the United States normalize consular services in Havana, particularly the issuance of non-immigrant visas, which are currently being processed in third countries such as Guyana.
He also reiterated his opposition to the Cuban Adjustment Act, which he considers a stimulus for irregular departures.
Between January 2022 and October 2024, over 900,000 Cubans emigrated to the United States through irregular channels or benefited from programs such as humanitarian parole.
The latest round of migration talks between Cuba and the United States concluded in an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the potential return of Donald Trump to power, which suggests an even tenser migratory landscape for both countries.
Meanwhile, the island is facing an unprecedented exodus, with thousands of citizens seeking alternatives outside the country amid a severe economic crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mass Deportations of Cubans from the U.S.
Is it likely that the United States will carry out mass deportations of Cubans?
The Cuban government believes it is unrealistic to expect mass deportations of Cubans from the U.S. due to the existing migration agreements between the two countries. Deportations must be carried out within the framework of these agreements, which have historically provided preferential treatment to Cuban migrants.
What impact would Donald Trump's administration have on immigration policy towards Cuba?
A Trump administration is expected to tighten immigration policies towards Cuba. Their plans include mass deportations and could impact Cubans who have not regularized their immigration status. However, beneficiaries of the Cuban Adjustment Act may be less affected, as this law provides a pathway to legal residency.
How does the Cuban Adjustment Law affect Cuban migrants in the U.S.?
The Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cubans to regularize their immigration status in the U.S. after one year of residence in the country. This provides them with a significant advantage over other migrant groups and could protect them from mass deportations in the near future.
What are the concerns of the Cuban government regarding deportations from the U.S.?
The Cuban government has stated that deporting hundreds of thousands of Cubans would be an act of uprooting for individuals who have already established their lives in the U.S. Furthermore, Cuba believes that these deportations would be inconsistent with the historical policy of the U.S. towards Cuban migrants, which has been one of privilege and benefit.
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