Cuban activist and scientist Oscar Casanella is set to attend a pivotal immigration hearing on Tuesday, June 24, in Miami. This coincides with his eldest child's birthday, a day that could decide whether he and his wife secure political asylum in the United States or face deportation back to Cuba, where imprisonment looms as a real threat.
"If I'm sent back, it's a threat to my life," Casanella told Telemundo 51 in an interview. His concerns are well-founded, as in 2022, shortly before his departure from Cuba, State Security issued him a stark warning: "If you're still in Cuba in a month, you'll be jailed."
A biochemist and former immunology professor at the University of Havana, Casanella is a prominent figure in Cuban opposition activism. His asylum application is supported by photos, videos, and citations documenting the repression he endured under the regime.
The Challenges of Seeking Asylum
Casanella expressed concern that immigration authorities might apply general policies without considering individual circumstances. He sought asylum in January 2022 upon crossing the U.S. southern border but was only issued the I-220A form, leaving him in a precarious immigration status outside the Cuban Adjustment Act.
"For over a decade, I was engaged in activism in Cuba and faced systematic harassment," Casanella noted. The outcome of his case on June 24, his son's birthday, could determine whether his family starts anew in freedom or returns to Cuba.
Legal Options and Possible Outcomes
His attorney, Deliane Quiles, outlined potential scenarios for the court hearing. "We might file a motion or present it orally to dismiss the case. If the asylum is denied, we have the option to appeal. However, if expedited deportation is pursued, then a credible fear interview would be our only recourse," she explained.
For over ten years, Casanella was a target of harassment, threats, and detentions due to his criticism of the regime. "I faced death threats and orchestrated accidents by the Ministry of the Interior," he recounted.
In 2021, after effectively being under house arrest and constant surveillance by the G2 for a year, Casanella decided to flee Cuba with his pregnant wife and four-year-old son. They embarked on a challenging journey through several countries before crossing into the U.S. via El Paso, Texas, in January 2022.
Ongoing Struggle for Freedom
Oscar Casanella's persecution extends beyond Cuba. He has also faced political police harassment in other Latin American countries, such as the Dominican Republic. Despite extensive documentation and independent media coverage, his case remains unresolved three years after his arrival in the U.S.
"My asylum case is strong, yet the process could take 10 years or more. This delay restricts my family and me from accessing credit to buy a home, pursuing master's degrees as residents, securing certain jobs, and traveling outside the U.S.," Casanella explained to CiberCuba last year.
Understanding Oscar Casanella's Asylum Case
Why is Oscar Casanella facing deportation?
Oscar Casanella is facing deportation because he has not yet secured political asylum in the United States and is currently in a precarious immigration status.
What are the potential outcomes of his immigration hearing?
The court might dismiss the case, deny asylum with an option to appeal, or opt for expedited deportation, prompting a credible fear interview request.
How has Casanella been persecuted outside of Cuba?
Beyond Cuba, Casanella has faced harassment by political police in countries like the Dominican Republic.