A Cuban family from Santiago de Cuba began their journey towards the United States ten months ago and are still stranded in Mexico, awaiting an appointment through the CBP One application to cross the border. A report by Martí Noticias reveals that the group is currently in Morelos, with no response from U.S. authorities to their request.
Víctor, the family's father, shared that he left Cuba with his wife and their three children, aged 14, 12, and 9, on September 9, 2023. They have now been stuck in Mexico for several months. Facing daily necessities, Víctor had to start working at a Central de Abasto, where "he doesn't earn much but it helps support the family," the report notes.
The young man explains that he leaves for work at 4 am and returns home by 5 pm. For safety reasons, he does the shopping either at work or when he gets home. Although the neighborhood is not particularly dangerous, he believes "any precaution is little." Additionally, he mentions that tickets to reach the border are expensive and the prolonged journey has cost them thousands of dollars.
Several people have complained about delays with CBP ONE, having had to wait up to eight months for an appointment. Amid the Cuban migration crisis, over half a million people have fled the island in the past three years. According to an independent demographic study accessed by EFE news agency, the Cuban population dropped by 18% between 2022 and 2023, reaching 8.62 million people.
The study, conducted by Cuban economist and demographer Juan Carlos Albizu-Campos, aims to quantify the impact of the significant exodus the country has been experiencing since 2021 and to address the lack of official statistics regarding demographic changes. The calculation was based on figures of Cubans who have arrived in the United States between October 2021 and April 2024, totaling 738,680 individuals, according to official data released by U.S. authorities, which includes visas, paroles, and irregular arrivals.
FAQs About the Cuban Migration Crisis
This section addresses common questions and provides insights into the ongoing migration crisis affecting Cuban families attempting to reach the United States.
Why is the Cuban family stranded in Mexico?
The family is stranded in Mexico awaiting an appointment through the CBP One application to cross the U.S. border.
How long have they been waiting for the CBP One appointment?
They have been waiting for several months, with some people reporting waits of up to eight months.
What are the main challenges faced by the family during their journey?
The family faces financial difficulties, high costs for travel, and safety concerns in their temporary location.
What is the extent of the Cuban migration crisis?
Over half a million Cubans have fled the island in the past three years, significantly reducing the population.