29/07/2026 18:41 - Internacionales
According to reports from The New York Times, El País, and La Diaria, Uruguay's Foreign Ministry, led by Mario Lubetkin, has maintained an open dialogue with the U.S. State Department under Marco Rubio for about a year. Although official sources clarified that nothing is finalized, the possibility of Uruguay receiving people deported under Donald Trump's anti-immigration policies is being evaluated.
Uruguay, with a population of 3.4 million, faces the challenge of a small and aging population. A senior Uruguayan official cited by the press said the country entered negotiations partly because it needs immigrant workers and partly to gain favor with the Trump administration.
Interior Minister Carlos Negro noted that Uruguay was founded by immigrants and has a tradition of welcoming people from other countries. This regularization policy makes it easier for migrants to access social services and job opportunities, something the U.S. government sees as an advantage to prevent deportees from attempting to return to the U.S.
The Trump administration has hardened its immigration stance. In March 2026, it was reported that 6,000 Cubans had been sent to Mexico, where many face difficulties finding employment. Migrants have even been sent to African countries like Eswatini and South Sudan.
Historically, the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act provided a fast track to U.S. residency for Cubans, but the current administration has reportedly blocked several of these pathways, putting hundreds of thousands at risk. U.S. officials believe Uruguay, with its safe and functioning asylum system, is one of the best options for these deportees, allowing them to live outside Cuba and reunite with family members already residing in the South American country.
The talks are not limited exclusively to Cuban citizens but would include various nationalities. This is part of a broader dialogue the U.S. maintains with multiple nations globally, including previous agreements with Paraguay and Ecuador.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
