More than 8,800 Cubans sought refuge in Mexico from January to June this year, placing Cuba as the second-largest source of migrants, surpassed only by Honduras.
According to the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR), 8,833 Cubans in irregular situations requested protection from Mexican authorities on their journey to the United States. Out of this number, only 2,339 cases have been resolved, with 1,314 receiving a positive response.
Additionally, since 2019—when the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador began—until June of this year, 68,188 Cubans arrived in Mexican territory and requested refugee status.
In total, in the first five months of 2024, 41,427 applications for refugee status were submitted, representing a decrease compared to the same period in 2023 and 2022. Honduras, with 17,441 applications, more than doubles Cuba's numbers. Following are Haiti (3,664), El Salvador (3,370), Guatemala (2,306), and Venezuela (2,272).
Migration Statistics 2019-2024
Honduras is also the leading country for exporting citizens from 2019 to June of this year, with a total of 172,596 people. In this list, Cuba no longer holds the second position but the third, surpassed by Haiti.
"During the current administration from 2019 to the end of June 2024, the top five nationalities requesting refugee status in Mexico are Honduras, Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and El Salvador," stated COMAR head Andrés Ramírez Silva on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Refugees in Mexico
This section addresses common questions regarding the influx of Cuban refugees in Mexico, offering insights into the current situation and statistics.
Why are so many Cubans seeking refuge in Mexico?
Many Cubans are fleeing economic hardships and political repression, seeking better opportunities and safety in the United States, with Mexico being a critical transit point.
How has the Mexican government responded to the influx of Cuban refugees?
The Mexican government, through COMAR, has been processing refugee applications, although many remain unresolved. Efforts are ongoing to manage and accommodate the increasing number of asylum seekers.
What are the main challenges faced by Cuban refugees in Mexico?
Cuban refugees often face challenges such as legal hurdles, long waiting periods for asylum decisions, and difficulties in securing employment and housing while awaiting their application results.