Nearly 19,000 Cubans entered the United States through its borders last May, according to the monthly data published by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The data, extracted from CBP's active systems and data sources, indicate that 18,988 Cubans arrived on U.S. soil in the fifth month of the year, mostly through the land border separating the country from Mexico.
The figures indicate that about 11,466 Cubans arrived through the U.S. southern border, while only 31 entered through the northern border with Canada, matching the number of entries through that area from the previous month. The rest, 7,491, arrived by sea.
The total number of encounters with irregular Cuban migrants at U.S. borders increased in May compared to April, when CBP statistics showed 17,875 arrivals, the lowest in the fiscal year 2024, which began on October 1. Overall, this adds up to a total of 163,376 arrivals since October.
CBP also reported that as of May 2024, 100,500 Cubans were authorized to travel to the United States "in a safe, orderly, and legal manner," thanks to the humanitarian parole program implemented by the administration of President Joe Biden since January 2023. This figure is part of the more than 462,100 Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Cubans who arrived legally on commercial flights and were granted parole under these processes, which provide up to 30,000 visas monthly for these nationalities.
“Specifically, approximately 100,500 Cubans, 193,400 Haitians, 87,800 Nicaraguans, and 113,400 Venezuelans were examined and authorized to travel,” the document states. However, it clarifies that of these, approximately 98,200 Cubans, 177,100 Haitians, 80,700 Nicaraguans, and 106,100 Venezuelans arrived legally and were granted parole.
These data clearly indicate that the Cuban migration crisis remains unstoppable amid deteriorating living conditions on the Island.
Cuban Migration Crisis and U.S. Border Policies
The following questions and answers provide further insights into the Cuban migration crisis and U.S. border policies.
What is the humanitarian parole program implemented by President Joe Biden?
The humanitarian parole program, implemented by President Joe Biden's administration in January 2023, allows certain nationals, including Cubans, to travel to the United States in a safe, orderly, and legal manner. The program provides up to 30,000 visas monthly for eligible individuals.
How many Cubans were authorized to travel to the U.S. under the parole program by May 2024?
By May 2024, approximately 100,500 Cubans were authorized to travel to the United States under the humanitarian parole program.
What is the total number of Cuban arrivals in the U.S. since October 2023?
Since October 2023, the total number of Cuban arrivals in the U.S. has reached 163,376.