The Diocesan Historical Archive of Ourense detected a concerning black market for counterfeit documents in Cuba for the processing of Spanish citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law, popularly known as the Grandchildren's Law.
Pablo Cid, head of the Diocesan Archive, explained that while in Spain these certificates cost only about 10 euros, in Cuba they are sold for amounts ranging between 2,000 and 3,000 euros.
“At first, we didn’t understand why the documents from Cuba needed the signature of the vicar, but we soon discovered that they were forging our documents,” Cid explained in statements to the program "En Portada" on Telemiño.
The Diocesan Archive receives an average of 50 requests for information daily, primarily from Cuba, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. Descendants of Ourensans from the second and third generations are seeking documentation to prove their ancestry and obtain Spanish nationality.
An opportunity to emigrate and escape the crisis
For thousands of Cubans, obtaining Spanish citizenship represents a way out of the economic crisis affecting the island. However, the high demand and the pressure to secure documents before the deadline, set for October 22, 2025, have led to a clandestine business and the emergence of intermediaries profiting from the process.
“We know that law firms act only as intermediaries. We charge 10 euros for a document, but they can charge up to 300 euros,” denounced Pablo Cid.
The challenges of document search
The Diocesan Historical Archive of Ourense preserves more than 12,000 parish books, some of which are over five centuries old. However, the search for records presents challenges: lack of preservation, fires in churches, and documents not yet transferred to the archives complicate the process.
This file is a valuable resource for genealogical research and local history, containing records of baptisms, marriages, deaths, and other vital documents for processing Spanish citizenship.
Cuba, among the countries with the most applications
Juan Manuel de Hoz, spokesperson for the Center for Descendants of United Spaniards (CeDEU), noted that around 300,000 Cubans are currently registered at the consulate to process their nationality.
Cuba is, along with Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Rosario, one of the locations with the highest volume of applications. Until December 31, 2023, the consular network received 226,354 applications from Cubans, of which 110,540 were approved and 69,421 registrations were completed.
Possible continuation of the process beyond October
Although the deadline for submitting applications is October 22, experts consulted by the portal InfoCivitano assert that those who secure an appointment will be able to complete their processes until 2028, thanks to a digital platform that will facilitate management.
However, this measure does not imply an extension of the deadline, but rather a guarantee that those who have begun the process can complete it without being excluded due to a lack of appointments or resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Law of Grandchildren and Document Fraud in Cuba
What irregularities have been detected in Cuba with the Grandchildren's Law?
A black market for forged documents has been detected in Cuba for processing Spanish nationality under the Grandchildren's Law. The documents, which cost 10 euros in Spain, are being sold in Cuba for amounts ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 euros. These irregularities have put Spanish authorities on alert, who are now monitoring the process more closely.
Why is the demand for Spanish nationality in Cuba so high?
For thousands of Cubans, obtaining Spanish citizenship is a way out of the economic crisis that the island is experiencing. The Grandchildren's Law provides the opportunity to emigrate legally and access better living conditions, which has led to an increase in demand and, consequently, problems such as the trafficking of fake documents.
What is the deadline to submit applications under the Grandchildren's Law?
The deadline for submitting applications is until October 22nd. However, those who manage to secure an appointment before this date will be able to complete their processes until 2028. This extension does not imply an extension of the deadline, but rather a guarantee that those who begin the process will not be excluded due to a lack of resources or appointments.
How does the lack of document conservation in the Diocesan Archive of Ourense affect it?
The lack of preservation and the fires have complicated the search for records in the Diocesan Archive of Ourense, which is crucial for processing Spanish citizenship. The archive holds over 12,000 parish books, some of which are more than five centuries old, making it a valuable resource for genealogical research.
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