Cubans Now Pursue the "Mexican Dream" Over the American One

The tightening of U.S. immigration policies under Donald Trump's new administration has compelled thousands of Cubans to rethink their final destinations, turning their sights on Mexico as a place to settle. What was once merely a stopover on the way to the "American Dream" has now become a destination in itself—the "Mexican Dream."

Since January 2025, the revised U.S. strategy to address the migration crisis has led to a historic decline in border crossings. February saw only 150 Cuban entries, a stark contrast to the over 6,300 recorded the previous month. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently stated, "The border is closed to illegal crossings, and for those still willing to test our resolve, know this: You will be processed and deported."

Mexico: More Than Just a Transit Point

As the United States shuts its doors, Mexico emerges as a primary destination. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, over 17,800 Cubans applied for refuge in Mexico, making them one of the largest migratory groups. Tapachula, in the state of Chiapas, stands out with 5,152 asylum applications, transforming into a hub for Caribbean migration.

This shift represents a dramatic change in Cuban migration strategies. Until recently, most hoped to cross into the U.S. using the CBP One app. Yet, with the termination of that program and the resurgence of mass deportations, many have abandoned their northern aspirations.

"Reaching the United States is no longer a priority. Conditions are very tough, and in Mexico, we can at least build a life and work," stated a Cuban migrant settled in Tapachula.

The Evolving Migration Dynamics

This migration redirection has also had logistical and social repercussions. Cities like Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Tijuana report increased numbers of Cuban migrants seeking employment and better living conditions.

The situation, however, is fraught with challenges. The cost of living in Tapachula is high, and wages are low, complicating newcomers' economic stability. Despite these hurdles, the desire to settle in Mexico is rising, particularly among those with families in the U.S. who no longer see immediate reunification as feasible.

Meanwhile, Mexican authorities received over 8,000 refuge applications from January to March this year, with Cubans accounting for more than half, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Decreasing Cuban Migration in Central America

Honduras also notes a drop in Cuban migrants heading north. Of the more than 369,000 travelers crossing the country in 2024, about 60,000 were Cuban, but numbers have plummeted in 2025. From January to March 6, only 3,448 Cubans were recorded in Honduras, representing just 10% of last year's flow. This decline is fueled by the growing fear of deportation from the U.S. or being trapped in precarious conditions along the route.

The "Mexican Dream" is far from idyllic but presents a tangible alternative amid increasingly restricted access to the U.S. The possibility of settling, receiving government assistance, and eventually being visited by family from the north seems more attainable than overcoming an ever more formidable legal and physical barrier.

As Trump's policies reshape the migration landscape of the Americas, thousands of Cubans are beginning to plant roots in a country that, until recently, was merely a part of the journey.