Cuban crossings into the United States plummeted in February 2025, with a mere 150 arrivals recorded, according to the latest data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Out of these, 12 entered through the Canadian border, 111 via Mexico, and the remainder arrived by sea. This marks a sharp decline from January, when 6,314 Cubans made their way to the U.S., and an even greater drop from December 2024, which saw nearly 9,000 arrivals through land and sea routes.
The decrease in Cuban migration is largely attributed to newly implemented immigration policies under the Donald Trump administration, which have significantly tightened border controls and limited access to irregular entry routes. In January, the majority of Cuban migrants entered through the southern border with Mexico, totaling 6,136 individuals, while only 29 crossed from Canada and 149 arrived by maritime routes.
In stark contrast, February's numbers are among the lowest in years, signaling a substantial shift in migratory patterns. This decline comes after a period of high migratory traffic in the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2024. Despite the ongoing crisis in Cuba driving citizens to leave, the U.S.'s new restrictions have severely curtailed migrant options.
Experts point to the reactivation of stricter border measures and the termination of programs like the Humanitarian Parole and the CBP One app, which in recent years provided legal pathways for Cuban migration, as key factors in the drastic reduction of crossings. U.S. authorities reported a 93% drop in migrant encounters in the early months of 2025, underscoring the direct impact of restrictive policies on migration flows.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies on Cuban Migration
What caused the sharp decline in Cuban arrivals to the U.S. in February 2025?
The sharp decline is primarily due to the new immigration policies under the Trump administration, which have significantly tightened border controls and restricted irregular entry routes.
How did Cuban migrants enter the U.S. in January 2025?
In January 2025, most Cuban migrants entered the U.S. through the southern border with Mexico, with a total of 6,136 individuals, while 29 crossed from Canada and 149 arrived by sea.
What programs previously facilitated Cuban migration to the U.S.?
Programs such as Humanitarian Parole and the CBP One app previously facilitated legal pathways for Cuban migration to the U.S.