The Cuban-American former congressman Joe García from the Democratic Party harshly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump during his participation in a protest in Miami, where authoritarianism was rejected and immigrant rights were defended.
The moment was captured in a video posted on TikTok by the user tito_0488, who recorded García while he was being interviewed by the Cuban journalist Yusnaby Pérez.
In the recording, the former lawmaker made strong comments about immigration policy and the role of Cubans in South Florida.
"We have to have the courage to say no. When you talk about an immigrant, you are talking about me, my family, about us. The greatest thing about this country, you see," García said.
The former congressman emphasized that Joe Biden allowed more Cubans to enter than any other president: "He let more Cubans in than all the presidents before him. And yet, where are the Cubans? Lost," he questioned, lamenting what he sees as a disconnection between the migrants' interests and their electoral decisions.
When questioned by Yusnaby Pérez about the political shift in Miami-Dade County, García replied: “I don’t know if it shows a change in color, but it reflects a reality. One has to vote their interests.”
He also said, “The Democrats were the ones who created the Cuban Adjustment Act. They were the ones who allowed people to come.”
"Biden sheltered nearly a million Cubans in less than four years. How are we going to accuse him? What we need to do is give thanks," he expressed, contrasting this policy with that of the current Republican president.
“And this guy goes to court every day. Trump goes to court every day to take away your rights and those of everyone else,” he stated.
García's intervention occurred amidst a day of protests where numerous exiled Cubans carried banners such as “No another Commander” and “I didn’t escape a dictatorship to suffer another,” denouncing the danger of repeating authoritarian patterns in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the United States Immigration Policy towards Cubans
How many Cubans have been welcomed into the United States under the administration of Joe Biden?
The Joe Biden administration has allowed the entry of nearly one million Cubans in less than four years, according to statements from former congressman Joe García. Biden's immigration policy has been noted for its openness towards Cuban migrants, although it has faced criticism for the lack of legal status for many of them.
What changes has the Trump administration implemented in immigration policy toward Cubans?
The Trump administration has revoked humanitarian parole, affecting thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. This measure entails the suspension of processing permanent residency applications for beneficiaries of humanitarian programs, raising concerns and a potential wave of deportations among migrants who do not yet meet the requirements of the Cuban Adjustment Act.
How has the Cuban community in the United States reacted to recent immigration policies?
The Cuban community has reacted in a divided manner to recent immigration policies. On one hand, there are criticisms directed at the Biden administration for unfulfilled promises and an immigration policy deemed inconsistent. On the other hand, some Cubans support Trump's measures, arguing that they are necessary for the country's security. However, there are also concerns about mass deportations and the legal limbo in which many find themselves.
What options do Cubans have to regularize their status in the United States?
Cubans who have completed one year and one day of physical presence in the United States can apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act to obtain permanent residency. However, those who have not met this time requirement or have not begun the process face a complicated situation. It is advisable to seek legal assistance to explore alternatives and avoid deportation.
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