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The last few days have led many Cubans to rethink their journey through Mexico, turning the country into more of a destination option rather than just a transit point, due to the immigration policy adopted by the United States since the arrival of President Donald Trump.
"I will stay in Mexico, it's not bad", is the decision that thousands of foreign migrants, including Cubans, frequently make. In search of the American dream or not, they find here the support to improve their living conditions, according to a report from the media Excelsior.
The Mexican newspaper interviewed two Cubans who were waiting in line at the offices of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (Comar) in Mexico City.
Diobis, one of the men interviewed, said he was there to fix his residency status. “To have a better situation because the situation in my country is not going to change, it has become more complicated”, referring to the critical situation currently faced in Cuba.
Questioned about his interest in going to the United States, he replied that it wasn’t his intention. “My idea has always been to stay here because the area where I lived in Cuba has a lot of Mexican culture and I grew up in that environment; so, I like Mexico, there’s no better place. So far, I am working and I feel good here,” he mentioned.
Another Cuban who shared his experience was identified as Álvaro Pérez. According to him, he did think about coming to the United States at one point; however, he decided some time ago that staying in Mexico is also a good option.
“I hope to stay here in Mexico, work, study, and help my family. I have been here for a year; I would like to study to become a physiotherapist. I started in Cuba, but I had to leave it because I was either studying or working due to the economic situation in Cuba”, he stated.
Data from the National Migration Institute (INM) reveals that between 2019 and 2025, more than 16 million migrants passed through Mexico; of those, 10.5 million managed to cross into the United States, while 6.3 million chose to remain in the country.
In the case of Cuba, migration to Mexico has been driven by the economic and political crisis on the island, which has caused an unprecedented exodus in recent years.
In recent months, asylum offices have seen an unprecedented influx of Cuban migrants and individuals from other nationalities.
This increase is largely due to the recent immigration policies implemented by American President Donald Trump, which restrict the entry of migrants across the border with Mexico.
The cancellation of the CBP One mobile application on January 20, 2025, which allowed migrants to schedule appointments to apply for asylum in the United States, has left thousands of applicants without a clear pathway to enter the country legally.
In response to the increasing migration pressure, the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced that her government will begin the repatriation of migrants stranded in Mexican territory due to the new restrictions imposed by the United States.
Sheinbaum detailed that agreements have been established with several Central American countries, as well as with Cuba, to facilitate the return of these migrants. In addition, she emphasized that Mexico will provide "humanitarian assistance" to those who are unable to continue their journey to the United States due to the new immigration restrictions.
Recently, the Cuban content creator Michel Crónicas shared a message on TikTok directed at his compatriots stranded at the border between Mexico and the United States.
In his video, Michel expressed: "I know that many dreamed of arriving in the United States, but current immigration laws make it almost impossible. However, they are in Mexico, a country that opens its doors to us and where other dreams can come true. Do not see Mexico as a second option, see it as your new home."
This message has resonated within the migrant community, encouraging many to consider the opportunities that Mexico offers in terms of employment, education, and quality of life.
However, it has also sparked debate on platforms like TikTok, where some Mexican users have expressed concern about the country's ability to handle a massive influx of migrants, highlighting challenges such as a lack of jobs and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Migration of Cubans to Mexico
Why are Cuban migrants choosing to stay in Mexico?
Cuban migrants are choosing to stay in Mexico due to the strict immigration policies of the United States implemented by President Donald Trump. These policies have made crossing the border more difficult, leading many Cubans to consider Mexico as a final destination where they can find formal employment, education, and healthcare services.
What benefits do Cuban migrants have when applying for asylum in Mexico?
Cuban migrants seeking asylum in Mexico receive benefits such as official documents (CURP and RFC), access to formal employment, and health services. This allows them to integrate legally and safely into Mexican society, thus eliminating the journey to the United States given the current restrictions.
How do Donald Trump's new policies affect Cuban migrants?
Donald Trump's new policies have significantly restricted the entry of migrants into the United States, canceling programs such as humanitarian parole and the CBP One mobile application, which facilitated appointment scheduling for asylum applications. This has left many Cuban migrants stranded in Mexico without a clear pathway to cross the border legally.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face when deciding to stay in Mexico?
Cuban migrants face challenges such as overcrowding at asylum offices and uncertainty about immigration policies. Although Mexico offers opportunities, the high volume of applications and the system's limited capacity may delay their integration and access to basic rights.
What do Cuban migrants think about settling in Mexico instead of the United States?
Many Cuban migrants see Mexico as a land of opportunity where they can achieve stability and improve their quality of life. While some initially dreamed of reaching the United States, restrictions and the welcoming nature of Mexico have changed their perspective, valuing the country as a new home.
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