US-Cuba: High-Level Bilateral Immigration Talks to Be Held in Washington

U.S. and Cuban officials are expected to meet in Washington on Thursday to discuss immigration concerns, according to sources close to the first official U.S. top-level talks with Havana since the US-led invasion of Havana. his presidential duties.

The meeting comes at a time when the Biden government is facing an increasing number of immigrants trying to cross the US border through Mexico, with Cubans making up a growing proportion of all immigrants.

Tensions between Washington and Havana over the Cuban government’s crackdown on protests, ongoing US sanctions on the communist-ruled island, and other issues have made it difficult for the two countries to work together on challenges such as illegal immigration.

The Cuban delegation will be headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandes de Cosio, according to two sources who spoke anonymously. The Cuban delegation is expected to meet with senior US officials at the US State Department, as well as at other departments.

The U.S. wants Cuba to take back some of the Cubans who have been deported from the record number of illegal Cuban immigrants arriving at the U.S. border from Mexico, according to a U.S. official, but also another source who spoke anonymously.

Cuba has said it supports legal, coordinated and safe immigration, and blames the United States for the growing trend of illegal immigration, arguing that Cold War sanctions and the decision to close the US consulate in Havana encourage Cubans to seek refuge. their escape from the island.

The US State Department announced last month that it would resume the process of issuing some US entry permits for Cubans in Havana to reduce visa waivers after a four-year hiatus, but progress has been slow.

SOURCE: AMPE