More than 9,000 Cubans have sought refuge in Mexico so far this year, maintaining Cuba's position as the second-highest country of origin for migrants, surpassed only by Honduras. From January to July this year, 9,914 Cubans in irregular situations requested protection from Mexican authorities during their journey to the United States, according to the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR).
The institution did not provide data on the number of resolved cases or those that received a positive response. In its June report, the commission noted that of the 8,833 Cubans in irregular situations who requested protection from Mexican authorities, 2,339 cases had been resolved, with 1,314 obtaining refugee status.
Migration Trends Under López Obrador's Administration
Since 2019, when the administration of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador began, until July of this year, 69,269 Cubans have arrived in Mexican territory and applied for refugee status.
Comparing this year’s data with previous years, July has seen a decline in the number of asylum seekers. In 2022, there were 8,593 applications, and in 2023 the number rose to 12,174. However, in July this year, Mexican authorities recorded only 5,204 individuals in this condition.
Honduras, with 19,803 asylum seekers, more than doubles Cuba's count. Following are Haiti (4,022), El Salvador (3,842), Guatemala (2,671), and Venezuela (2,549).
These figures highlight the ongoing migration crisis affecting the island, despite a drop in the number of migrants choosing the Central American "journey" following the January 2023 implementation of the humanitarian parole by the Biden administration.
In June, according to data revealed on Monday by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a total of 17,563 Cubans entered through the U.S. borders. This number represents the lowest entry in the first nine months of the U.S. fiscal year, which began on October 1 of the previous year.
Understanding Cuban Refugee Applications in Mexico
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to better understand the situation of Cuban refugees seeking asylum in Mexico.
Why are so many Cubans seeking refuge in Mexico?
Many Cubans are fleeing economic hardship and political repression in their home country, seeking better opportunities and safety in the United States via Mexico.
What is the role of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR)?
COMAR is responsible for processing asylum requests and providing protection to refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico.
How has the Biden administration's humanitarian parole affected Cuban migration?
The implementation of humanitarian parole has led to a decrease in the number of Cubans attempting the dangerous Central American journey to the United States.