In a recent episode of the YouTube program "Desde la Presidencia," hosted by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, the topic of deportations and U.S. sanctions was discussed, focusing on their impact on Cuban migration.
In the discussion, former spy Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), and Johana Tablada de la Torre, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), both asserted that Washington's policies have fueled irregular emigration and are now punishing those who chose to leave the island under those conditions.
"Carlos Jiménez, a congressman from Florida, stated that now more measures are indeed coming and what remains is nothing. This is part of a political game in which the population is deceived. The majority even had family agendas and many of them were forced to leave Cuba due to the pressures of those very measures", emphasized Tablada de la Torre during the broadcast.
For his part, Hernández Nordelo added that the implementation of economic sanctions and the inclusion of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism leads to increased irregular emigration, and now U.S. authorities are threatening to deport those Cubans who were once encouraged to emigrate with false promises. "What they are doing is completely immoral," emphasized the former Cuban spy.
Díaz-Canel, at another time, emphasized that this situation has been reinforced by a "media construction" that obscures the reality of the impact of the blockade and sanctions on the daily lives of Cubans. However, he did not mention the internal discontent and the structural crisis that have led to a massive exodus of Cubans in search of a better life.
"When we explain these things to people from other countries, they cannot understand that a Cuban experiences extreme situations due to a policy that is genocidal and criminal," the leader stated.
While the Cuban regime blames Washington for the migration crisis, it evades its own responsibility for the economic and political situation that drives thousands of Cubans to flee the country.
Official statements omit that the lack of opportunities, political repression, and absence of freedoms on the island have been key factors in the largest migration wave in decades.
On February 27th, the government of Cuba received the first deportation flight from the United States during Donald Trump's administration.
A total of 104 Cuban migrants (84 men, 19 women, and one minor) arrived on the Island as part of an operation that is part of the bilateral repatriation agreements, which were resumed following the exponential increase in Cuban migration in recent years, largely fueled by the internal crisis that the Havana government has been unable to resolve.
A few days ago, the Cuban government expressed its willingness to accept migrants deported from the United States, as long as the bilateral agreements established between both countries are respected.
Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, emphasized in a recent interview on the government program Mesa Redonda the importance of ensuring regular, safe, and orderly migration, highlighting that the repatriations must be carried out in accordance with the agreed terms.
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State assured that contacts with the government of Havana will only be established when absolutely necessary.
"When the United States needs to meet with the Cuban government, we do," he responded in an email sent to Martí Noticias.
Frequently asked questions about the deportations of Cubans from the U.S. and the migration crisis
How does U.S. policy affect Cuban emigration?
The U.S. policy, according to the Cuban government, has stimulated irregular emigration by imposing economic sanctions and keeping Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, which pressures Cubans to leave the island in search of better opportunities.
What does the Cuban government say about deportations from the U.S.?
The Cuban government believes that deportations are a consequence of a "deception" by the U.S., which encourages emigration with false promises and then punishes those who chose to leave the country.
What are the real reasons behind Cuban emigration?
Despite the accusations against the U.S. government, Cubans primarily emigrate due to the internal crisis in the country, which includes an uncontrolled economy, lack of freedoms, and political repression—factors that drive the massive exodus.
How does Cuba address deportations from the U.S.?
Cuba has expressed its willingness to receive deported migrants, but insists that the established bilateral agreements be respected. However, the return of deportees faces a complicated reality on the island, with limited opportunities for reintegration.
What role do U.S. sanctions play in the Cuban crisis?
The U.S. sanctions are viewed by the Cuban government as a factor that intensifies the economic crisis and leads to increased emigration. However, the crisis is also a result of internal structural problems that the regime has not addressed.
Filed under:
