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The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, sparked a wave of reactions on social media after stating that “coming to the United States with a visa is a privilege, not a right.”
The phrase referred to the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a resident in the U.S. linked to pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, and was reported in a note from CiberCuba that sparked an intense debate on Facebook.
One of the most impactful comments came from the Cuban Ernesto Dovale Villasante, who questioned Rubio's words while recalling his family roots.
"Thanks to your parents having the 'privilege' of exiling themselves to the United States, you were born there and today you hold that position. If there had been a Secretary of State with your same mindset at that time, you would probably be living in Cuba today with your ration book," Dovale wrote in the comments on the note from CiberCuba.
The debate on migration and privileges
Dovale's reflection puts into perspective the situation of many Cuban exiles in the U.S., who have found refuge and opportunities in the North American country.
Rubio's stance, who has been a strong critic of the Cuban regime, contrasts with his discourse on migration, raising questions about his position regarding those seeking asylum today.
The Secretary of State has insisted that migration must be strictly regulated and that the U.S. government has the right to deny or revoke visas for those it considers a threat to national security.
However, his position has been interpreted by some as contradictory, .
The case of Mahmoud Khalil and the controversy surrounding his arrest
Rubio's statements arose following the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after the revocation of his green card.
The government of Donald Trump justified the arrest on the premise that Khalil had been involved in activities related to Hamas, which is considered a terrorist group by the U.S.
The detention has sparked a debate about the use of immigration laws as a political tool. While Rubio and other officials defend the measure as a national security action, critics argue that it is a strategy to suppress dissent on college campuses.
A federal judge in New York has temporarily halted Khalil's deportation until a scheduled hearing takes place this week. The case continues to generate reactions in the political and academic spheres, with human rights groups denouncing a potential violation of civil liberties.
Mixed reactions
Rubio's stance continues to divide opinions. While some support his firmness on immigration policies, others believe that his discourse is selective and does not take into account the circumstances of immigrants from different backgrounds.
Dovale Villasante's comment reflects a persistent concern within the Cuban community about the double standard in the immigration debate and how it impacts those seeking a better future outside the island.
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