Yusuam Palacios' substitute requested political asylum in the United States

The former president of the Martiano Youth Movement entered the country on November 19 through the border of El Paso, Texas, thanks to the CBPOne program.

Orlando Ernesto Pérez Núñez when he was elected president of the Marti Youth MovementPhoto © Escambray

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Orlando Ernesto Pérez Núñez, who replaced Yusuam Palacios when he was removed as president of the Martian Youth Movement (MJM), is currently residing in Kentucky, United States, after crossing the border from Mexico.

According to reports from Martí Noticias, the former leader entered the country on November 19 through the El Paso border in Texas, thanks to the CBPOne program.

A representative from the Martian Youth Movement confirmed to the media that Pérez Núñez was no longer leading the organization, but she refused to disclose the reason for his departure and expressed surprise upon learning that he is now in the United States.

A native of Sancti Spíritus and a graduate in Accounting and Finance, the former leader is trying to go unnoticed in his new life and has deleted all his social media accounts.

Her arrival in the United States has generated significant outrage within the Cuban exile community.

"It is, at the very least, detestable and repugnant that a leader of the Communist Party and a staunch defender of the Cuban revolution, who has always upheld the totalitarian communist doctrine, is today living and enjoying all the privileges and freedom this country offers," wrote Alberto León, a Cuban-American residing in Kentucky, to Martí Noticias.

The MJM is another propaganda tool of the regime to indoctrinate young people, disguised as the supposed goal of spreading the work and thoughts of José Martí among new generations.

Known for his pompous and empty rhetoric in support of the government, Pérez Núñez stated at an event in 2023 that Martí is with the Cubans "near the real trench where we fight."

"His thoughts invite us to once again charge against every sign that harms the deepest essence of the national soul," he emphasized at that time.

Yusuam Palacios, a known spokesperson for Castroism, was dismissed as the leader of the Martian Youth Movement in January 2023 after holding that position for 12 years.

The first secretary of the UJC, Aylín Álvarez, criticized him at that time, saying that "there are spaces and resources within our organizations that are sometimes not fully utilized."

The official press only mentioned that "it ends its responsibilities naturally."

Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrival of Former Cuban Leaders in the United States

Who is Orlando Ernesto Pérez Núñez and why has his arrival in the United States sparked controversy?

Orlando Ernesto Pérez Núñez is a former Cuban leader who headed the Martian Youth Movement (MJM) following the ousting of Yusuam Palacios. His arrival in the United States has sparked outrage within the Cuban exile community due to his past as a defender of the communist regime in Cuba. Pérez Núñez, who had been known for his grandiloquent rhetoric in favor of the Cuban government, crossed the border from Mexico and now resides in Kentucky.

Why is the Marti Youth Movement criticized by the Cuban community in exile?

The Martian Youth Movement (MJM) is seen as a propaganda tool of the Cuban regime. Although its stated goal is to promote the work and thought of José Martí, it is actually used to indoctrinate young people in the ideals of the regime. The arrival of Pérez Núñez, a former leader of the MJM, in the United States has been particularly controversial given his previous defense of communist doctrine.

What role does the CBPOne program play in the entry of Cubans into the United States?

The CBPOne program is a tool used by U.S. authorities to manage the entry of individuals across the border. In the case of Orlando Ernesto Pérez Núñez, he used this program to enter the United States through the border of El Paso, Texas. This program has been part of an increase in the arrival of former Cuban leaders to the United States, raising concerns and debate about immigration policies.

What has been the reaction of the Cuban community in exile to the arrival of former Castro officials in the U.S.?

The Cuban community in exile has expressed outrage and rejection at the arrival of former officials of the Castro regime in the United States. Many believe that these individuals, who actively defended the oppressive regime in Cuba, are now seeking to benefit from the freedoms and opportunities that the United States offers. This situation has led to calls for stricter verification processes to prevent the entry of individuals who have been linked to the Cuban regime.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists dedicated to reporting on current Cuban affairs and global issues of interest. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.