Óscar Casanella, a Cuban activist, has voiced his frustration over a situation he sees as deeply unfair: while he has been entangled in an immigration limbo for over four years, battling for political asylum in Miami, enforcers of the Cuban regime are entering and settling in the United States with legal status, some even obtaining residency or citizenship.
In an interview with journalist Tania Costa, Casanella shared his dismay upon learning that a granddaughter of Raúl Castro has been traveling in and out of the United States, with expenses covered by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "When you see how easily these enforcers move in and out of the U.S., and the struggle you're facing for asylum... it's extremely disheartening. It fills me with indignation and helplessness," he remarked.
Casanella emphasized that his situation is far from unique. "It's not just me. There are others like Yuri Valle Roca, who is also in a tough spot without a work permit. Then there's Gorky Águila, a friend and one of the founders of Porno para Ricardo, who has frequently visited the U.S. but has been denied a visa multiple times recently," he explained.
Widespread Impact of Immigration Policy
The activist warned that many more individuals are affected by this situation, although they may not always be in the public eye. "There are numerous other activists and opponents, perhaps not as well-known, but they have evidence, testimonies, and witnesses of the persecution they faced in Cuba. We are in a legal limbo, uncertain of our fate," he expressed.
Casanella's anger is largely directed at the disparity between his plight and that of those who persecuted him in Cuba. "Seeing those who repressed us in Cuba entering and even legally residing here is truly infuriating," he added.
Documented Evidence Supports Claims
His accusations are supported by documented evidence. The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba identified 1,130 enforcers since 2017, with 135 of them having entered or being in the process of entering the United States by February 2025. By July of that year, at least 100 regime-linked enforcers had settled in Miami and Tampa.
Casanella also criticized the immigration policies of both the Biden and Trump administrations. "The previous administration, I believe, put a real filter at the border. But now it seems we've swung to the other extreme, and I'm afraid there's a perception that everyone crossing the border is a criminal. It's a mistake to think that way," he asserted.
The activist was scheduled for an immigration court hearing in Miami on Friday, August 28, as part of his removal proceedings, but it has been postponed to January 2027. The unexpected scheduling appeared in the system over a year after his final asylum hearing in June 2025, which ended without a verdict after more than six hours.
Casanella confirmed he would attend with legal representation. "Yes, I'll be going with my attorney Kenia García to court, who represented me during my final asylum trial," he noted.
However, he expressed complete uncertainty about what might unfold in the courtroom. "Unfortunately, we have no prior information on the purpose or reason for the hearing," Casanella admitted, acknowledging his fear of deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuban Asylum Seekers and Immigration
What challenges do Cuban activists face in seeking asylum in the United States?
Cuban activists seeking asylum often face prolonged legal limbo, uncertainty regarding hearings, and a challenging immigration process, while watching regime enforcers enter the U.S. legally.
How many Cuban regime enforcers have entered the United States?
According to the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba, 135 regime enforcers have entered or are in the process of entering the U.S., with 100 settling in Miami and Tampa by July 2025.
What are the criticisms of U.S. immigration policies regarding Cuban applicants?
Critics argue that U.S. immigration policies have swung from being overly restrictive to excessively lenient, with concerns about unfair perceptions of asylum seekers as criminals.