Nearly 18,000 Cubans crossed the United States border last April, according to the monthly data released by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The data, drawn from CBP's active systems and data sources, indicate that 17,870 Cubans arrived on U.S. soil in the fourth month of the year, primarily through the land border with Mexico.
Although the number of encounters with irregular Cuban migrants at the borders decreased compared to March (19,571) and February (20,815), the figures are higher than those for the same period in 2023. This brings the total to 144,378 arrivals since the beginning of fiscal year 2024, which started on October 1. The data clearly show that the Cuban migration crisis continues unabated amid a worsening of living conditions on the island.
CBP also reported this Thursday that the number of Cubans authorized to travel to the United States "in a safe, orderly, and legal manner" through the humanitarian parole program approved by the Biden administration reached 86,000 as of the end of March, according to recent data provided by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
"Specifically, 86,000 Cubans, 168,000 Haitians, 77,000 Nicaraguans, and 102,000 Venezuelans were screened and authorized to travel," the agency stated in its report for the third month of the year.
Understanding the Cuban Migration Crisis
To provide more insight into the ongoing Cuban migration crisis, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why are so many Cubans migrating to the United States?
Many Cubans are fleeing the island due to deteriorating economic conditions, lack of basic necessities, and political repression. The worsening living conditions have pushed thousands to seek a better life in the United States.
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program, approved by the Biden administration, allows certain individuals from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the United States legally and safely. It aims to provide a controlled and orderly process for those seeking refuge.
How does the current migration compare to previous years?
The number of Cuban migrants has increased significantly compared to the same period in previous years. For instance, the figures for April are higher than those recorded in April 2023, indicating a growing migration trend.