Since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, Cubans have been fleeing the island nation. As of 2020, Cuban migration to the United States continues at a rapid pace as Cuban migrants attempt to build a better life for themselves and their families. Cuban migrants have long been the largest single national population of those seeking safe harbor in the United States, and despite many restrictions and bans, 2020 is proving to be a banner year for Cuban Foreign Nationals coming to the United States.

Types of Cuban Migrants
Most Cuban migrants come to the United States in one of two categories; those seeking asylum, often as a result of political and religious persecution, and those in search of economical advantages.

Economic Migrants
Economic migrants are Cubans who leave the island in an effort to claim asylum in the United States and, in doing so, gain access to more resources and opportunity than is available in their homeland. Though few and far between, there are many Cubans who are able to come to the United States in this manner, which is often the most straightforward way for economic migrants to gain entry into the country.

Asylum Seekers
Asylum seekers are Cuban nationals who have a reasonable fear of persecution in their homeland and are unable to remain there safely. These individuals are often granted asylum upon arrival to the United States after successfully completing the application process. Once granted asylum, the individual is considered a “refugee” and has the legal right to live and work in the United States.

Trends of Cuban Migration
Cuban migrants have long been the largest single national population of those seeking safe harbor in the United States, and despite many restrictions and bans, 2020 is proving to be a banner year for Cuban Foreign Nationals coming to the United States. This is largely due to the rapid decline of the Cuban economy and an increase in the number of people seeking asylum due to the current political and economic systems on the island. The current numbers of Cuban migrants are estimated to be the highest they’ve been since the Cuban revolution, with more than 9,000 Cubans having received visa or travel documents just in the first five months of 2020 alone.

Reasons Cuban Migrants Seek Residency in the U.S.
There are numerous reasons why Cuban citizens are seeking residency in the United States. The primary drivers of Cuban migration include:

Economic Restraints:
The Cuban economy has been under pressure for years, and with the announcement of increasing U.S. sanctions, the situation has not improved. Many Cubans have found that life in the United States offers them financial stability and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Political Unrest:
The government in Cuba has long been oppressive, and with more recent events like the Cuban government crackdown on dissenters, the Cuban people have been pushed further away from their homeland.

Search for Opportunity:
Cubans are seeking out a better life in the United States, one with more economic opportunity, access to education, and less political oppression. The hope of finding a better future has pushed many Cubans to make the difficult decision to leave their homes and families behind in search of a better life.

Safety:
The safety of the Cuban people is at the forefront of the minds of many of those considering a move to the United States. Despite the growing number of Cuban migrants, there are still cases of Cubans being targeted for physical, mental, and emotional abuse that simply can’t be endured on the island. Moving to the United States allows many of these individuals to find safety and start anew.

U.S. Restrictions of Cuban Migrants
Despite a nearly constantly flowing or shifting immigration policy, the U.S. has consistently had a ban on Cuban immigration since 1983. This restriction was originally enacted due to mounting economic pressures that the U.S. government saw caused by the influx of Cuban nationals.

Although the U.S. still maintains this ban on immigration, there are several ways for Cuban nationals to gain admission to the United States. Cuban nationals may seek to enter the United States under the following conditions:

Family-Based Immigration:
Family-based immigration is the most common way for Cuban nationals to gain residency in the U.S. This process involves the sponsorship of a family member who is already a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. The sponsoring family member must be able to demonstrate the ability to financially support the Cuban migrant relative.

Humanitarian Parole:
Humanitarian parole is an immigration process by which individuals who would otherwise not be eligible for admission to the U.S. may be granted entry if the government determines their entry is in the public interest. This process can be used in cases where the individual is attempting to join family already residing in the U.S., is in need of medical care, or is attempting to travel to the U.S. due to a humanitarian crisis.

Diversity Visa Lottery:
The Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) is a program that gives an opportunity to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. to gain entry into the country. The DV Lottery allows individuals who meet the criteria to apply for a chance to win the lottery and gain entry to the U.S. permanently.

Effects of the Migration Wave
The recent wave of Cuban migrants has had a significant impact on the United States, both in terms of the numbers of individuals entering the country and the effects on the communities they enter. The U.S. has seen a benefit from the influx of Cuban migrants as it has resulted in added support for America’s labor force as well as a stronger and more diverse economy.

Positive Impact to the U.S.
Cuban nationals can bring a variety of skills and experiences with them to the U.S., and the influx of Cuban migrants to the United States has led to an increased diversity of backgrounds and experiences within the workforce. This influx of talent into the U.S. has resulted in an overall strengthening and diversifying of the economy, with Cuban migrants having a disproportionate impact in certain industries and geographic areas.

For example, many Cuban migrants go into the medical field, as this is an area that is often underserved in their homeland. Cuban medical professionals who are able to settle in the U.S. are additionally prepared to handle patients who speak both English and Spanish. This influx of Cuban medical professionals has been of particular benefit to those underserved communities in the U.S. which have large Hispanic populations.

In the agricultural industry, Cuban migrants have also been able to play a role in the growth and development of rural economies throughout the country, as nearly all Cuban migrants come from agricultural backgrounds. This experience and knowledge has enabled Cuban migrants to move into agricultural industries and become productive members of the labor force.

Negative Impact to the U.S.
While Cuban migrants have enriched the United States through their diversity and productivity, the influx of these new residents has also had some negative impacts.

One of the major issues arising from the influx of Cuban migrants is the strain they put on the resources of local municipalities. As the number of Cuban migrants grows, the local governments must allocate more resources (such as food, housing, health and educational services) to serve the population. This strain can often result in less resources available to other communities or locales, or an increase in taxes to cover the added resources required.

Another concern is the potential for increased crime in the areas in which the Cuban migrants settle. While it is important to note that most Cuban migrants are law abiding individuals, in many cases crime can be said to rise when an influx of persons arrive in a new area. This increase in crime could be a negative result of the migration wave, and something that local municipalities should keep an eye on.

Cuban migrants have long been a fixture in the United States, and the latest wave of migration from the island nation has seen a rise that is unparalleled in recent history. These individuals have been met with both welcoming and resistance, as the influx of Cuban migrants has both positive and negative impacts on the areas and industries in which they settle.

As the geopolitical climate in Cuba continues to change, it is likely that even more individuals will be looking to the United States for a better life and opportunity. While the U.S. continues to impose various restrictions on Cuban migration, the Cuban people remain steadfast in their hope of a better future in the United States.