The Cuban activist Óscar Casanella expressed his outrage at a paradox that he considers profoundly unjust: while he has been in a migratory limbo for over four years fighting for his political asylum in Miami, enforcers of the Cuban regime enter and settle legally in the United States, some even obtaining residency or citizenship.
In an interview with Tania Costa, Casanella recounted reading that a granddaughter of Raúl Castro has entered and exited the United States with expenses covered by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “When you see these things, the ease with which the oppressors come and go from the United States and what your asylum is costing you... It is very, very sad. It generates a lot of indignation and helplessness in me,” he stated.
The activist emphasized that his case is not an exception. "I am not the only one. There are other cases. There is also Yuri Valle Roca, who is in a complex situation, without a work permit. There is Gorky Águila, my friend, who is one of the founders of Porno para Ricardo, who has visited the United States many times and has not been granted a visa. They have recently refused to grant him a visa," he pointed out.
Casanella warned that the situation affects a larger number of people who do not always have public visibility. "There are many other activists and opponents who may not have such a high profile but do have evidence, testimony, and witnesses of what they suffered in Cuba. We are in a legal limbo and do not know what the outcome will be."
The activist's anger is focused on the contrast between his situation and that of those who persecuted him in Cuba. "And then to see those who repressed us in Cuba enter and stroll about even legally is truly outrageous."
This report has documentary support. The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba identified 1,130 repressors since 2017, of which 135 would have entered or were in the process of entering the United States by February 2025. By July of that year, at least 100 repressors linked to Castroism had settled in Miami and Tampa.
Casanella also criticized the immigration management of both U.S. administrations, those of Biden and Trump. "The previous administration, I believe, put a real filter at the border. But now I think we have gone to the other extreme, and I am afraid that it is thought that everyone who crosses the border is a criminal and a delinquent. I believe it is a mistake to think that," he stated.
The activist had a hearing before an immigration judge in Miami this Friday, August 28, as part of his removal process, but it has been rescheduled to January 2027. The appointment unexpectedly appeared in the system more than a year after his final asylum hearing, which took place in June 2025 and concluded without a verdict after more than six hours.
Casanella confirmed that he will attend accompanied by legal counsel. "Yes, I am going with my lawyer Kenia García to court, who represented me in my final asylum trial."
However, there is total uncertainty about what will happen in that room. "Unfortunately, we have no prior information about what the objective is or the reason for the hearing," said Casanella, admitting his fear of being deported.
Filed under: