Cuba and U.S. Hold Fourth Round of Migration Talks in Washington

On April 16, 2024, Cuba and the United States engaged in their fourth round of migration talks in Washington, D.C. The Cuban delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, who emphasized Cuba's willingness to promote regular, safe, and orderly migration between the two countries.

During the discussions, the parties reviewed compliance with existing migration agreements and the implementation of bilateral policies. The Cuban side expressed concern over U.S. measures that they believe encourage irregular migration, highlighting the adverse effects of the U.S. economic blockade on Cuba's socioeconomic landscape, which they see as a significant factor driving migration.

Fernández de Cossío described the talks as a regular process to review and adjust the implementation of the migratory agreements signed by both governments. While the parties did not see eye to eye on every issue, they held a frank discussion and presented their positions.

Why this matters: The ongoing migration talks between Cuba and the United States have significant implications for both countries, as they seek to address the challenges posed by irregular migration. The discussions also reflect the complex dynamics of the bilateral relationship, which has been strained by long-standing economic and political differences.

The Cuban delegation stressed the importance of reinstating non-immigrant visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in Havana and advocated for comprehensive adherence to bilateral migration agreements. They also expressed Cuba's openness to accepting more deportation flights of Cuban migrants from the United States, with Fernández de Cossío stating that Cuba is "open to having more" deportation flights.

The talks were presided over by Fernández de Cossío on the Cuban side and Eric Jacobstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. State Department, who headed the U.S. delegation. Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to engage in continued dialogues to address migration-related challenges collaboratively.

The fourth round of migration talks between Cuba and the United States underscores the ongoing efforts by both governments to manage migration issues and find common ground despite their differences. As Fernández de Cossío noted, the discussions aim to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration between the two countries, while addressing the factors that contribute to irregular migration.

Key Takeaways

• Cuba and US held 4th round of migration talks in Washington, D.C.
• Cuba expressed concern over US measures encouraging irregular migration, citing economic blockade.
• Parties reviewed migration agreements, with Cuba advocating for visa processing and deportation flights.
• Talks presided over by Cuban Deputy FM and US State Dept Deputy Assistant Secretary.
• Discussions aimed to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration between the two countries.