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The Cuban regime blamed the United States government for the massive exodus the island has experienced, claiming it is due to the imposition of coercive measures from the White House.
Cubadebate published an article this Thursday blaming the Washington government for encouraging emigration since 1959 and indicating that the impact of this policy has intensified in recent years, with Cuba remaining on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Johana Tablada, deputy director of the General Directorate for U.S. Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex), stated that the sanctions policy driven by leaders such as Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and Mike Pompeo has worsened the economic crisis on the island, resulting in an increased flow of migrants.
According to Tablada, when Barack Obama removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and relaxed bilateral relations, emigration decreased significantly. However, with the tightening of policies under the Trump administration and the re-inclusion on the aforementioned list in 2021, a record increase in the exodus of Cubans was observed.
The real reasons behind Cuban emigration
Despite these arguments, Cubans do not emigrate due to the sanctions from Washington, but rather because of the internal crisis in the country. Cuba is facing rampant inflation, insufficient wages, a shortage of goods in the market, constant power outages, and a profound lack of freedoms.
State repression, intensified after the protests on July 11, 2021, has increased fear and despair among Cubans who see no way out of the country's economic crisis.
Since 2022, more than 850,000 Cubans have left the island, which represents approximately 18% of the population. This figure even surpasses the rafts crisis of the 1990s and highlights the severity of the internal collapse.
Cubans have chosen dangerous routes through Nicaragua and Central America, paying between $8,000 and $10,000 for a journey that often ends in death or detention by the immigration authorities of other countries.
The role of the United States and deportations
The United States has attempted to curb irregular migration through various measures, including the reactivation of deportations. Despite this, the Cuban government continues to accuse its northern neighbor and presents the embargo as the main cause of the migration crisis.
Last week, Díaz-Canel responded with indignation to statements made by Senator Marco Rubio, who described Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua as "enemies of humanity" and blamed their regimes for the migration crisis in the hemisphere.
On his X account, the Cuban leader accused Washington of generating the exodus with the tightening of the embargo and described the U.S. politicians imposing sanctions against his government as "neofascists."
An uncertain future for Cubans
The outlook on the island is bleak. It has a paralyzed economy, increasing repression, and no prospects for structural changes, meaning that emigration will continue to be the only option for thousands of Cubans.
As long as the regime in Havana continues to evade responsibility for the crisis and does not implement real reforms, the migration situation is likely to worsen.
The United States may tighten or relax its policies, but as long as Cuba does not provide opportunities and freedoms for its people, the exodus of citizens will continue unabated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration Crisis in Cuba and Relations with the United States
Why does the Cuban government blame the United States for the increase in emigration?
The Cuban government accuses the United States of implementing coercive measures that, according to them, have intensified the economic crisis on the island, leading to an increase in emigration. They argue that the sanctions and Cuba's continued presence on the list of state sponsors of terrorism have exacerbated the situation. However, many experts point out that the true cause of emigration is the country's internal crisis.
What are the real reasons behind the massive emigration of Cubans?
The true reasons for the Cuban exodus are the internal economic crisis, characterized by uncontrolled inflation, insufficient wages, a depleted market, constant blackouts, and a lack of freedoms. State repression and despair among the population have been key factors in the decision of many Cubans to leave the island.
What routes do Cubans take to emigrate to the United States?
Many Cubans choose perilous routes through Nicaragua and Central America, investing between $8,000 and $10,000 for a journey that often ends in tragedy, whether through death or detention. These routes are dangerous and expensive, but for many, they represent one of the few options to leave Cuba.
How has the United States responded to the increase in Cuban migration?
The United States has attempted to curb irregular migration through the reactivation of deportations and immigration measures. However, the Cuban government continues to blame the United States for the migration crisis, while internal policies in Cuba do not allow for an improvement in the living conditions of its citizens.
What is the future of Cuban emigration if the situation on the island does not improve?
The future of Cuban emigration seems uncertain and may possibly worsen if the Cuban regime does not implement real reforms that improve the quality of life for its citizens. With no opportunities or freedoms, Cubans will continue to seek emigration as the only way out.
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