The Biden administration permitted entry to U.S. territory for Arelys Casañola Quintana, an official of Cuba’s communist Castro regime seeking asylum due to “fear of socialism,” as reported by Martí Noticias. Casañola Quintana, who previously served as president of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power on Isla de la Juventud island, arrived in Kentucky with her son after applying for asylum via the CBP One platform. Despite her communist background and affiliations with the Castro regime, she claimed asylum citing fear of socialism.
Reports from Cuban media outlets indicated that Casañola Quintana had planned to enter the U.S. since November and had a history of active involvement in the Communist Party of Cuba and other state-owned enterprises. Despite deleting their Facebook profiles, evidence of their pro-Castro regime stance remained on Twitter. Cuban citizens expressed outrage over her entry into the U.S., with some calling for her return to Cuban territory due to her past actions as a regime official.
Meanwhile, Prisoners Defenders released a report detailing the existence of 1,100 political prisoners in Cuba, along with thousands facing pre-criminal prison sentences. The organization highlighted ongoing repression by the Castro regime against journalists and citizens who oppose the communist rule. One notable case involved a journalist sentenced to 15 years in prison for publishing footage of peaceful protests against the regime.
The situation in Cuba sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals under socialist regimes, prompting concerns about the implications of allowing officials with ties to oppressive regimes entry into the United States.
