In recent years, Cuba has experienced an unprecedented exodus. The deep economic crisis, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, has pushed thousands of Cubans to leave their homeland in search of a better future. What began as a steady trickle has turned into a human tide that crosses borders, faces dangers, and defies uncertainty, all with the hope of reaching the United States, a country that symbolizes prosperity and well-being—something that on the island seems like a distant dream.
The most common route begins in Cuba, with Nicaragua as the destination, a country that, since late 2021, eliminated the visa requirement for Cubans, facilitating the start of this journey. From there, migrants head north. The path is long and dangerous: it crosses jungles, rivers, and deserts, and is fraught with risks such as kidnappings, scams, and accidents. Many have lost their lives in the attempt, while others have fallen victim to human trafficking networks that exploit their desperation.
The critical point of this journey is Mexico. Mexico City and Tapachula have become waiting and transit points, where Cuban migrants await their chance to cross the border into the United States. However, the American dream has become increasingly elusive. The arrival of a new administration in Washington has brought changes to immigration policies, revoking laws that granted legal status to those who entered the country. This has created total uncertainty among Cubans who arrived in the last four or five years, many of whom now face the risk of deportation.
For Cuban families, this journey has meant monumental sacrifices. Many have sold their properties, from houses to appliances, to gather the money needed to pay coyotes and cover the costs of the trip. Others have left loved ones behind, promising to reunite someday on foreign soil. But the reality is that, for many, the dream has turned into a nightmare. Deportations and legal uncertainty have left thousands in limbo, unsure if they will be able to stay in the country they chose as their new home.
Despite the risks, the wave of migration does not stop. For Cubans, the decision to emigrate is not just about seeking better opportunities but about survival. The economic crisis on the island, with shortages of food, medicine, and basic services, has led many to see emigration as the only way out. However, the path is full of obstacles, and the future remains uncertain. The only certainty is that, as long as conditions in Cuba do not improve, the journey will continue, with all its hopes, sacrifices, and tragedies.