Por: Gisela Soto Navarro
Traducido por: Beatriz Montes de Oca y Melissa Otero
For six decades, the United States have used migration policy as an instrument of hostility towards Cuba. After the triumph of the Revolution, the northern nation’s successive governments have managed the issue according to the different stages of the relationship with the Caribbean island.
A key element that has remained from 1959 to present day helps understand politization regarding the subject. According to PhD Antonio Aja, Head of Havana University’s Center for Demographic Studies, the country with the main settlement of the emigration of the other, also becomes the main antagonist of its nation project. In addition, such migration policy has been based on the Cuban Adjustment Act since the 1960s. This law, the only of its kind in the world, triggers an irregular, disorderly and unsafe exodus.
Ernesto Soberón, Director General of Consular Affairs and Cubans Residing Overseas, denounced that the law provides Cuban migrants with the certainty that they can reach and enter the United States irregularly and legalize their status despite the migratory agreements signed with Cuba throughout the years.
In contrast with this permanent stimulus, professor Antonio Aja highlights another aspect evidencing the politization of the issue: “Cuba is virtually the only country in the world with a migratory relationship with the United States that draws Migratory Agreements”.
However, the US government creates obstacles to the compliance with the obligations assumed, such as the non-granting of the 20 000 annual visas established for Cuban citizens that wish to migrate to this territory. In the opinion of diplomat Ernesto Soberón, “they foster the irregular flows despite the migratory agreements in order to launch communication campaigns against our country”.
In the following episodes of Archivo.cu, the guests analize the migratory scenario between Cuba and the United States from 1959 to present day.
First chapter
Second chapter
