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Almost 9,000 Cubans arrived in the United States in December 2024, according to the data released this Wednesday by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The exact figure (8,989) left the mentioned month with the highest number of entries in the newly started fiscal year (FY 2025), which began in October, when the amount reached 8,260, while in November it was 8,362.
Globally, 217,615 Cubans were inspected by CBP and entered U.S. soil in FY 2024. This is the second-highest figure since 2021, just surpassed by the record of 224,607 in fiscal year 2022.
In comparison to 2023 (200,287 asylum applications), this last fiscal year also saw an increase in the flow of Cuban migrants to the U.S.
For now, the recorded behavior is similar to previous periods: the first quarter (October, November, and December) shows a high volume, which declines over the following months.
The data shows that the crisis in Cuba continues to cause a massive and irregular exodus from the island to the United States, despite the efforts of President Joe Biden's administration to organize migration through legal channels such as humanitarian parole.
To the 217,615 Cubans who were intercepted at the borders during the past fiscal year, we must add those who arrived in the United States through the parole implemented by Biden.
Is it more difficult to cross the U.S. border?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed in December that irregular crossings of migrants, including Cubans, have decreased significantly in recent months.
In an official statement, CBP reported a reduction of over 60% in encounters at ports of entry from May to November of this year, reaching the lowest levels since July 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cubans to the United States in December 2024
How many Cubans arrived in the United States in December 2024?
Nearly 9,000 Cubans arrived in the United States in December 2024, according to data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
How has the flow of Cuban migration to the United States evolved in recent years?
The flow of Cuban migrants to the United States has risen in recent years, with 217,615 Cubans entering in fiscal year 2024, marking the second highest figure since 2021. This increase is attributed to the crisis in Cuba and the legal pathways offered, such as humanitarian parole.
What measures has the United States taken to manage Cuban migration?
The United States has implemented several measures, including humanitarian parole, which has allowed the legal arrival of over 110,000 Cubans since 2023. Additionally, immigration policies have been tightened to reduce irregular crossings, resulting in a 98% decrease in these attempts.
What can be expected in U.S. immigration policy with Donald Trump's arrival in 2025?
Significant changes in immigration policy are expected with the arrival of Donald Trump, who has promised to eliminate humanitarian parole and tighten immigration regulations, which could impact legal migration opportunities for Cubans.
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