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The new anti-immigrant measures announced by President Donald Trump, which include the permanent suspension of migration from "all Third World countries," have sparked a strong controversy among Cubans, both inside and outside the United States.
The reactions, gathered from social media by our newsroom, show a country deeply divided between those who applaud the president's policy and those who see it as a direct threat to migrant communities.
The debate erupted after the president posted a message on Truth Social promising to eliminate federal benefits for non-citizens, deport those he classifies as “public charges,” and denaturalize migrants whom he claims “undermine national stability.”
"I will permanently suspend migration from all Third World countries," he stated, describing the current situation as a "destructive invasion."
This was compounded by the U.S. government's announcement that USCIS has suspended all decisions on asylum cases following the recent shooting in Washington D.C. attributed to an Afghan citizen who had entered the country during the evacuation of Kabul in 2021.
"The security of the American people is always the top priority," justified the institution.
Cubans in favor: "Those who do not respect the law, out!"
Among those supporting the measures are several Cubans who argue that Trump's stance is necessary to maintain order.
"Excellent president. Those who can't adapt should be out," commented a user who claimed to be proud of having voted for him. Another stated that the country needs stability and that the U.S. should not support those who come "looking for trouble."
Some also criticized migrants who, according to them, do not show gratitude towards the country that welcomes them.
“The problem is that most emigrants are ungrateful,” said another commentator, while expressing his gratitude for having become a U.S. citizen.
Cubans against it: “It’s the same idolatry we experienced with Fidel”
On the other hand, many Cubans reacted with outrage to the tightening of immigration policies. An internet user compared the devotion to Trump to that which Fidel Castro once had: “It seems surreal to me to see Cubans defending a politician with that fervor… it’s the same foolishness.”
Another Cuban criticized blaming immigrants for the country's internal problems and defended Latinos who emigrate out of necessity.
“Before they emigrated, there were already massacres due to the sale of weapons. Why do they blame immigrants now?” he questioned.
Others pointed out that many Cuban migrants feel "untouchable" and warned that the measures could also affect them.
"The Cuban needs to come down from that cloud, thinking they are better than other Latinos. For Trump, we are all just a flea above the dog," a user wrote.
Concern about uncertainty
The new policies have caused concern among Cubans without legal status, who fear that measures of "reverse migration," accelerated deportations, and the elimination of benefits will affect even those who have been in the country for years.
A user summarized generalized anxiety with a message directed at the president: “And this is how he wants the Nobel Prize… karma will eventually catch up with him.”
The reactions demonstrate the deep divisions within the Cuban community in the U.S.: between those who see Trump as a guarantor of order and those who perceive him as a threat to the immigrants themselves.
The intense exchange of opinions makes it clear that, while the government tightens the immigration system following the attack in Washington D.C., the Cuban community continues to grapple with an internal debate about identity, migration, and belonging in a country where policies can change overnight — and impact thousands — with a single presidential announcement.
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