The U.S. Department of State is scrutinizing applications for Spanish citizenship processed in Cuba under the so-called "Grandchildren Law." This investigation arises from suspicions that some of these applications might be aiding individuals tied to organized crime and drug trafficking operating throughout the Caribbean, as reported exclusively by Vozpópuli on Wednesday.
According to the report, U.S. authorities possess information suggesting that some applicants may have connections with the Cuban regime and could have been involved in activities in Venezuela during Nicolás Maduro's administration.
Washington's primary concern, as indicated by sources cited by Vozpópuli, is that obtaining Spanish citizenship might provide a gateway for individuals connected to criminal networks or deemed a national security threat to access the United States.
The report highlights fears that a Spanish passport may serve as an entry point for those "involved in organized crime" or linked to the Cuban political apparatus, with the capability to operate beyond the island.
This investigation unfolds amid mounting pressure from President Donald Trump's administration on the Cuban regime, characterized by new sanctions targeting high-ranking officials, state-owned enterprises, and the military conglomerate GAESA.
Entities associated with GAESA's involvement in processing nationality applications have particularly piqued Washington's interest, as reported by Vozpópuli.
In January 2025, the Spanish Consulate General in Havana awarded a contract to Grupo Palco to enhance services due to the high volume of applications. This Cuban state enterprise is linked to GAESA, which has been under U.S. sanctions since May 2026.
The enactment of the Law of Democratic Memory has sparked unprecedented demand in Cuba, with over 350,000 Cubans initiating the process to obtain Spanish citizenship. Meanwhile, the Spanish Consulate General in Havana is dealing with more than 137,700 pending cases.
The investigation also sheds light on challenges in verifying the documentation submitted by applicants. Since Cuba is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, alternative mechanisms are required for document validation, prompting criticism from sectors calling for stricter procedural controls.
These revelations come amid escalating political tensions in Spain regarding the "Grandchildren Law." The Popular Party and Vox argue that the government of Pedro Sánchez has implemented an excessively broad application of the law, while the Sánchez administration maintains it is a response to historical reparations.
On Wednesday, Vox filed a request with the Secretary of State for Justice to annul and temporarily suspend the directive executing the law—a move that, if successful, would halt the processing of new nationality applications.
Vozpópuli reports that the U.S. investigation is also part of a broader examination of the relationships between Spanish socialist leaders and the governments of Cuba and Venezuela. The outlet states that inquiries remain active, with U.S. authorities continuing to gather information on potential links deemed pertinent to their investigations.
Implications of the 'Grandchildren Law' and U.S. Concerns
What is the 'Grandchildren Law' in Cuba?
The 'Grandchildren Law' allows Cuban descendants of Spanish nationals to apply for Spanish citizenship, leading to a significant number of applications processed in Cuba.
Why is the U.S. concerned about these citizenship applications?
The U.S. is worried that Spanish citizenship could facilitate entry into the U.S. for individuals linked to criminal networks or considered a national security threat.
How does the investigation relate to Cuba's regime and Venezuela?
Some applicants for Spanish citizenship are suspected of having ties to the Cuban regime and involvement in activities under Nicolás Maduro's government in Venezuela, raising concerns about their potential entry into the U.S.