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The former Cuban spy Gerardo Hernández Nordelo reacted this Saturday to the latest immigration measures from the Donald Trump administration, which include the revocation of the humanitarian parole for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
The current national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) wrote an enigmatic message on Facebook where he repeated the onomatopoeia "tic tac" of the clock to refer to the elimination of migration benefits for Cubans.
How did the haters say it, Tick tock, tick tock. TV lies... tick tock. The parole... tick tock. What else?," said Hernández.
Does your message refer to the expression used by activists and dissenters that the Cuban regime has little time left? Are you suggesting that time will show that Cuban television is not "lying," or is it instead being used to indicate a wait, a pause in the discourse?
The opacity of his message, while providing some clues, prevents a precise understanding of what the former spy intended to say.
However, it has served to mock his insistence on the "tic tac": "The empire of Cuba also has its turn with tic toc toc toc," commented an internet user.
One even used the expression to mock Gerardo and criticize that he also lives off those he calls "haters."
"And what about your Tic Tac Tic Tac jars? You thrive on the haters because your government doesn't work, and you're a parasite of the empire; your people are in misery, and no one believes the story of the blockade anymore," pointed out a Cuban.
Your message comes a day after it was revealed that beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela could face deportation once their permits expire, following the termination of the program that permitted the temporary entry of migrants for humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
In an official draft from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), circulated under the signature of Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, it specifies that those who do not have any other legal basis to remain in the U.S. must leave the country or face deportation proceedings.
In total, more than 532,000 people entered the U.S. under these programs between 2022 and 2025.
The number of Cubans who would be left legally unprotected in the U.S. following the recent announcement of the revocation of humanitarian parole is estimated to be around 26,000, who would have entered U.S. territory after March 2024.
Those Cubans do not yet meet the requirement of one year and one day of residency in the U.S., which is necessary to be eligible for protection under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA).
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Immigration Measures and Their Impact on Cubans
What immigration measures has Donald Trump recently implemented that affect Cubans?
Donald Trump has revoked the humanitarian parole that allowed the temporary entry of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela into the United States. This measure directly affects more than 530,000 people who entered under this program since 2022. Beneficiaries will lose their legal status starting April 24, 2025, and must leave the country or face deportation if they do not have another legal basis to remain in the U.S.
How many Cubans will be affected by the revocation of humanitarian parole?
It is estimated that around 26,000 Cubans who entered the U.S. after March 2024 could be left legally unprotected following the revocation of the humanitarian parole. This shift in Trump's immigration policies also impacts those who have not yet met the requirement of one year and one day of residency in the U.S. needed to qualify for the Cuban Adjustment Act.
What options do Cubans affected by the elimination of humanitarian parole have?
Cubans who lose their legal status following the revocation of humanitarian parole may explore alternatives such as applying for political asylum or seeking temporary protective programs if they meet the requirements. However, these options are not available to everyone and may face legal and bureaucratic hurdles. It is crucial for migrants to seek legal advice to understand their options before April 24, 2025.
What has been the reaction in Cuba to Trump's immigration measures?
In Cuba, the reaction to Trump's measures has been critical, with government figures such as Gerardo Hernández Nordelo using an ironic and enigmatic tone to respond. Hernández hinted on social media that Trump's decisions are part of a "political game" and used an enigmatic "tic tac" message to refer to the situation. The Cuban government has blamed the U.S. for encouraging irregular emigration and punishing those who left the island under these conditions, while evading responsibility for the economic and political crisis that drives many Cubans to emigrate.
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