Andrés Pertierra

Andrés Pertierra, a historian and Ph.D. candidate focusing on Cuba, dives into the reasons behind Cuba's largest emigration wave in decades. He discusses the staggering impacts of food shortages and inflation that have driven many to leave. Pertierra describes who's leaving—including professionals—and why the government seems to permit this exodus as an 'escape valve.' He contrasts the current situation with historical events like the Mariel boatlift and explores how U.S. policies have influenced Cuban politics and migration.