Immigration attorney Willy Allen described the potential plan by the Trump Administration to negotiate with Uruguay for the deportation of Cubans, whom Washington cannot return directly to the island, as a "relatively smart move." He shared his insights on this matter on his weekly program on CiberCuba this Monday.
As reported by the New York Times on July 29, U.S. State Department officials have been in talks for several months with Uruguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reach such an agreement. While Uruguay's Foreign Affairs confirmed the "open dialogue," they clarified that no agreement has been finalized and no public figures have been disclosed.
The Unique Appeal of Uruguay
Allen elaborated on why Uruguay stands out compared to other deportation destinations: "Being deported to Uruguay is not the same as being deported to Ecuador," he noted, emphasizing that the South American country boasts a stable democracy, a relatively strong economy, and has become a "banking hub for Latin America, Europe, and even the Middle East due to its safe banking environment."
The core argument for Allen's view that this is a "smart move" lies in the historical ties between Uruguay and the Cuban community. "Uruguay has welcomed tens of thousands of Cubans," he stated, recalling that for years the Cuban migration route passed through Brazil or Ecuador before reaching Uruguay.
Cuban Influence in Uruguay
This connection is evident in tangible ways. Tania Costa pointed out the presence of "a Cuban in Uruguay's Parliament." This refers to Leydis Aguilera, a Cuban engineer who has lived in the country for 16 years. She assumed the role of substitute deputy for the National Party on March 10, 2026, becoming the first lawmaker of Cuban origin in Uruguay's parliamentary history.
Allen also noted that he has had Cuban clients whose U.S. asylum applications became complicated because they had lived in Uruguay for two years with legal work and residency permits, which weakened their persecution claims.
Legal Challenges and Broader Implications
Despite these discussions, Allen made it clear that negotiations have not been concluded. He also mentioned the possibility of including Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic in similar arrangements.
From a legal standpoint, the lawyer foresees judicial challenges to this mechanism. "I believe the ACA will eventually be deemed illegal by Federal Courts. If you're seeking asylum in the United States, the U.S. should adjudicate your asylum before sending you to a third country," he asserted.
The Trump administration's policy of deporting to third countries has already utilized destinations such as El Salvador, South Sudan, Eswatini, Rwanda, and Nicaragua. In the Cuban context, the challenge of directly repatriating to the island has led Washington to consider alternatives like the one being negotiated with Montevideo.
Allen sees it pragmatically: "People want to stay in the United States. But once that's not an option, between going to Mexico, Ecuador, or returning to Cuba, I think Uruguay is a good choice."
Understanding the Cuban Deportation Negotiations
Why is Uruguay considered a smart choice for deportations?
Uruguay is seen as a smart choice due to its stable democracy, strong economy, and historical ties with the Cuban community, making it a favorable environment for deported individuals.
What are the legal concerns regarding this deportation strategy?
The legal concerns include potential judicial challenges, as some argue that asylum claims should be adjudicated in the U.S. before sending individuals to a third country like Uruguay.
Has Uruguay agreed to the deportation plan?
As of now, Uruguay has not finalized an agreement on the deportation plan, though dialogues with the U.S. have been ongoing.