Immigration attorney Willy Allen cautioned during his weekly program with Tania Costa on CiberCuba that a large-scale exodus from Cuba might be perceived by Washington as an "act of war," potentially leading to U.S. military intervention.
Allen made these remarks during a live Q&A session, addressing an audience inquiry regarding the potential U.S. response to a mass departure of Cubans.
"I believe that neither the previous U.S. administration nor the current one would allow a massive exodus from Cuba. It would be seen as an act of war. I think they would view it very negatively. They would stop ships at sea. I think there could be tragedy, and it could result in a more forceful, quicker intervention with Cuba," Allen stated.
Allen's comments come at a time when Cuba is experiencing a historic migration crisis, with the island's population decreasing from 11.1 million in 2022 to just over 9.4 million by the end of 2025.
A historical parallel can be drawn with the August 1994 rafter crisis, during which the U.S. intercepted around 32,000 Cubans and transferred them to Guantanamo. On September 9 of that year, Washington and Havana signed a migration agreement obligating the U.S. to grant at least 20,000 visas annually to Cubans. Allen was actively involved in legal matters related to that crisis.
A Bipartisan Approach to Immigration
During the same program, another viewer asked if Cuban-American politicians from South Florida—both Republicans and Democrats—would ever unite again on immigration issues. Allen responded optimistically, referencing a once-strong bipartisan tradition that now seems distant.
"I think so. That's what Dante Fascell and Claude Pepper always did. That's what Lincoln Díaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen always did," he noted, referring to figures who combined anti-Castro stances with advocacy for Cuban immigrant and refugee rights.
Reflecting on the loss of such leaders, Allen candidly remarked, "I think the quality we lost with Lincoln and Ileana is hard to replace."
Lincoln Díaz-Balart, a Republican representative from Florida from 1993 to 2011, passed away in 2025. His brother, Mario Díaz-Balart, remains in Congress, and Allen highlighted him as someone capable of building bridges. "I've always thought Mario is a very skilled politician who can work with anyone to improve immigration policies and economic conditions," he said.
Personal and Legal Reflections
The program unfolded amid a personal backdrop for Allen. The attorney disclosed that he was scheduled for surgery the following day, which was ultimately successful, and that his long-time partner, attorney Luis Fernández, had recently passed away. "Tomorrow I'm going into surgery. My partner, may he rest in peace, died early yesterday, Luis Fernández. So, a new cycle," he expressed with visible emotion.
The program also discussed a federal judge's ruling prohibiting the detention of individuals based on their Hispanic appearance in seven southern California counties. Allen reiterated his belief that federal courts serve as the primary defense for immigrants against the current administration's abuses.
As he approaches his 75th birthday on November 12, Allen summed up his current life phase with a brief phrase: "We're in overtime."
Willy Allen's statements delve into the core of U.S. and Cuban migration policy. Stay updated with all developments in our U.S. Immigration section.
Key Questions on U.S. Intervention and Cuban Migration
How might the U.S. respond to a mass exodus from Cuba?
A large-scale exodus from Cuba could be seen by the U.S. as an act of war, possibly leading to military intervention and efforts to stop vessels at sea.
What historical event is similar to the current Cuban migration crisis?
The current crisis is reminiscent of the 1994 rafter crisis when the U.S. intercepted around 32,000 Cubans and later signed a migration agreement with Cuba.
Can South Florida Cuban-American politicians unite on immigration issues again?
Willy Allen believes it's possible, recalling the collaborative efforts of past politicians like Dante Fascell and Lincoln Díaz-Balart.