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The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised President Donald Trump's speech before the United Nations General Assembly (UN), calling it "incredible" and stating that it sets a model for the free world.
Through a message on X, Rubio applauded what he considers the pillars of new American leadership: closed borders, energy power, and a strong rejection of what he called "unmitigated migration disasters" and "false energy alarms."
“It is setting the model for the free world. Strong borders and energy dominance are what make the United States great”, wrote the official of Cuban origin, in a statement that has sparked criticism and fears among migrant communities.
Rubio's endorsement adds to a rhetoric that, from the very podium of the United Nations, emphasized the tightening of immigration policies under the Republican government.
Trump not only defended his strategy of mass deportations, but also presented it as part of a golden era for the United States, which, according to him, has revived after "four years of weakness and chaos."
“When we started to stop and deport everyone crossing the border, they simply stopped coming”, Trump declared.
His message sent a clear signal to those aspiring to migrate to the U.S., including tens of thousands of Cubans: they will no longer be welcome unless they arrive through the “correct” channels and with prior authorization.
In his speech, the president also disqualified the right to asylum, which many Cubans appeal to, linking it to crime in Europe and accusing the applicants of "returning kindness with crimes."
Energy, power, and symbols: a narrative of exclusion
Trump combined his attacks on migration with a verbal offensive against renewable energy, calling it a "joke" and a "costly fraud."
He stated that climate change is “the greatest scam ever perpetrated in the world” and promised to eliminate environmental policies in favor of fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, he defended his vision of a “strong, secure, and golden America”, supported by decorative reforms laden with symbols of power, such as golden adornments in the Oval Office, and legislation that safeguards his immigration policy.
The core of his message was clear: shut doors, raise walls and display economic and military might as a synonym for prosperity.
And the Cubans?
These statements come at a time when thousands of Cubans are facing deportation or detention processes in the U.S., after crossing the border in search of refuge. Many are waiting for judicial decisions, others have been sent back under tightened policies, and the future of humanitarian parole remains under constant political pressure.
Rubio's support, a significant figure in Cuban-American politics, resonates particularly among those who still see the United States as a refuge from the crisis in Cuba.
However, the words of the secretary, like those of Trump, draw an increasingly clear line between those who are already in and those who still dream of getting there.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Policy toward Cuba and the Impact of Sanctions
What was Marco Rubio's stance on Trump's speech at the UN?
Marco Rubio praised Trump's speech at the UN, calling it "incredible" and a model for the free world, emphasizing the importance of closed borders and America's energy power. Rubio supported Trump's rhetoric against migration and renewable energies, which has drawn criticism from migrant communities, especially Cubans.
How does Trump's immigration policy affect Cubans?
Trump's immigration policy, which includes mass deportations and restrictions on the right to asylum, significantly impacts Cubans seeking refuge in the United States. The statements from Trump and Rubio have made it clear that migrants who do not arrive through legal channels will not be welcomed, complicating the situation for many Cubans who are facing deportation or detention processes.
What criticisms has Marco Rubio received for his support of Trump's policies?
Marco Rubio has been criticized for his strong support of Trump's immigration policies and his rhetoric against mass migration, with Cuban Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez accusing him of being "fiercely anti-Cuban." He has also faced criticism for his stance on visa restrictions and for supporting measures that impact Cuban migrants in the United States.
What measures has the Trump administration taken regarding Cuba?
The Trump administration has implemented restrictive policies toward Cuba, prohibiting financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban armed forces and maintaining the elimination of the "Wet foot, dry foot" policy. These measures aim to limit the flow of resources to the Cuban regime and support the Cuban people in their pursuit of freedom and justice.
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