The Cuban presenter Alexander Otaola stoked controversy again by publicly calling for the cancellation of work visas for several Cuban artists residing in the United States, asserting that they are engaging in practices that, in his opinion, should warrant immediate deportation.
During a recent broadcast of his show, Otaola referred to the raids by U.S. immigration authorities against migrants from various nationalities, and made a direct mention of the singer Wampi, stating that he was returned to Cuba after his visa was canceled.
"Wampi, the Cuban singer, this young boy who is one of the most successful of all, was here with an artist visa, work visa, used to go to Cuba and come back, today he was caught at the airport, his visa was canceled, he was put on the same flight he arrived on and sent back to Havana", he declared.
Although several platforms have reported this news, the artist has not officially confirmed that their visa has been revoked and that they had to return to Cuba.
Otaola went further and mentioned other artists who, in his opinion, should also be subject to similar measures: “This is something they should do with Laritza Bacallao as well, who is here with that same visa. Don't wait a year and a day, go and find her and move forward. At Laritza's next concert, it's highly likely that they will show up there just like they did for the one in Zimbabwe. I have no doubts about that.”
Additionally, he mentioned the host of La Familia Cubana, Samantha Hernández, Wampi's ex-partner, pointing out that she should also face the same fate because she entered with humanitarian parole: “Samantha should also have conditions that would easily allow her to be removed from here because Samantha came with humanitarian parole, and none of that exists anymore, so they can also send her back to promote the many wonderful businesses that are opening in Cuba.”
With a tone of acceptance towards immigration policies, Otaola added that “the only way to cleanse the United States is this way; otherwise, it's turning a blind eye and continuing to allow the audacity, and this presidency, this administration has been clear from the beginning.”
The presenter’s statements have sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some applauding his stance while others criticize his rhetoric and lack of sensitivity towards the many migrants who are being deported.
Frequently asked questions about Alexander Otaola's statements and the migration situation of Cuban artists in the U.S.
Why does Alexander Otaola call for the cancellation of work visas for Cuban artists?
Alexander Otaola believes that some Cuban artists in the United States are involved in activities that, according to him, justify their deportation. Otaola argues that canceling their visas is a way to "clean up the United States." He also mentions specific cases such as that of the singer Wampi, who was allegedly deported to Cuba. Otaola has been critical of the Cuban regime and believes that these measures could help limit the regime's influence in the United States.
Which Cuban artists does Otaola mention in his visa cancellation request?
Otaola directly mentions the singer Wampi, who was allegedly deported to Cuba, although there is no official confirmation. He also refers to Laritza Bacallao and Samantha Hernández, suggesting that they should face similar measures. Otaola has been a vocal critic of those he believes should not benefit from work visas in the United States.
What position does Otaola take on the immigration policies of the United States?
Otaola supports strict immigration policies, especially under the administration of Donald Trump. He believes that it is necessary to deport immigrants who are not in the United States for political reasons and who have ties to the Cuban regime or criminal backgrounds. Otaola has criticized the use of humanitarian parole and has called for greater oversight of Cuban migrants.
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