The Trump administration has intensified efforts to deport thousands of Cuban migrants, exploring new destinations for those being removed from the United States. Among the countries under consideration is Uruguay, South America’s second-smallest nation, which has a significant Cuban immigrant population and a relatively open immigration policy.

Discussions between U.S. officials and Uruguay’s foreign ministry have been underway for several months, according to sources from both governments. Uruguay views the potential agreement as beneficial for its economy, which requires additional immigrant labor, and as a way to strengthen ties with the Trump administration. While a formal agreement may not explicitly mention Cuban deportees, in practice, they would be the primary focus.

The Trump administration’s broader crackdown on immigration includes sending Cuban migrants not only to Mexico but also to African countries such as Eswatini and South Sudan, where deportees have often been confined to detention centers. The administration has faced criticism for deporting individuals to countries where they may lack support networks or where human rights conditions are poor. Paraguay and Ecuador have also signed agreements with the U.S. to accept deportees of various nationalities, including Cubans.

Cuba itself has historically refused to accept deported citizens, though it has received several flights this year. Economic sanctions and restrictions imposed under the Trump administration have exacerbated the hardships driving migration from the Caribbean island, which remains under one of the longest-standing U.S. embargoes.

Uruguay, home to 3.4 million people, traditionally has welcomed immigrants, with most of its population descended from European settlers. The country has seen a surge in Cuban asylum seekers, with nearly 24,000 applications recorded last year. The government aims to regularize the status of Cuban migrants to facilitate their access to employment and social services. Discussions between the two governments also consider family reunification for Cubans who have relatives in Uruguay.

Despite Uruguay’s relative openness, life for migrants can be challenging. The country is more expensive than many neighbors, and many Cuban newcomers find work in low-wage, informal sectors such as delivery services and caregiving while living in modest accommodations. Public opinion in Uruguay generally favors immigration, and deportations remain rare.

The shift in U.S. policy marks a departure from decades of preferential treatment for Cubans under laws like the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, which provided a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship due to Cold War-era political considerations. Since the Clinton administration, and more aggressively under President Trump, U.S. authorities have narrowed these immigration avenues and increased deportations, putting hundreds of thousands of Cubans at risk of removal.

Human rights advocates have criticized these deportation policies as harmful, particularly for migrants who have long-established lives in the United States. Some view Uruguay’s asylum system and relative stability as a marginally better alternative compared to other destinations, though no option is seen as ideal.

The U.S. State Department affirmed that enforcing immigration policies remains a top priority, emphasizing its commitment to curbing illegal migration and enhancing border security. Uruguay’s foreign ministry has declined to comment on ongoing negotiations.

As these developments unfold, the fate of Cuban migrants deported from the United States is increasingly tied to the willingness of countries like Uruguay to absorb and integrate them, reflecting broader shifts in U.S. immigration policy toward more restrictive and geographically dispersed approaches.