The meeting between U.S. and Cuban officials in Washington on Wednesday marked an important point in the bilateral dialogue on migration, the first meeting of its kind this year. The event came amid significant changes to immigration policies for Cubans by the United States, as part of a strategy by the Biden administration to stem the growing flow of people leaving the island.

The U.S. State Department said the discussion focused on the implementation of existing migration agreements between the two countries. The U.S. delegation highlighted areas of successful cooperation, while identifying obstacles to achieving the objectives of these agreements. The meeting reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to holding constructive discussions with Cuba to advance its interests, according to a report in the Miami Herald.

The focus of the discussions was strictly on the issue of migration, with an emphasis on the search for a safe, orderly and regular process between the two countries, aiming at family reunification and respect for human rights.

David Cloe led the U.S. delegation, while Carlos Fernández de Cossio led the Cuban delegation. The previous year saw a significant influx of more than 300,000 Cubans arriving in the United States, mostly across the Mexican border, the highest number since the early days of the revolution led by Fidel Castro.

The Biden administration expanded an existing program for Venezuelans, allowing Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans to apply for special parole to enter and live in the U.S. for at least two years. More than 15,000 Cubans have benefited from this program as of March. According to the publication, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security added that there are more than 55,000 Cubans, Nicaraguans and Haitians and more than 40,000 Venezuelans who have received travel authorization through the program.

After the program began, there was a significant drop in the number of Cuban migrants attempting to cross the border illegally. However, the program's effects on reducing dangerous sea travel are not as evident, as the U.S. Coast Guard continues to intercept Cubans at sea.

During the meeting, Cuban officials expressed concern about the need to resume issuing visas at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, especially for family visits, arguing that the closure of these services is unjustifiable after six years.

The Center for a Free Cuba highlighted the Cuban government's handling of migration as a tactic in negotiations with the U.S., while the center's director emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the rights of Cubans in the midst of this process.