The U.S. Embassy in Cuba warns of risks of illegal migration through the southern border.

The United States Embassy in Havana issued a warning to Cuban citizens about the risks and consequences of illegal migration.

Through the social network X, the Embassy recalled that President Joe Biden has signed a presidential proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of illegal migrants at the country's southern border.

This measure came into effect as of June 5, 2024, and with it, the US government tightens asylum procedures and immigration law enforcement.

Immigrants whose entry is suspended, including those who cross illegally between ports of entry, and who cannot demonstrate a legal basis to remain in the United States, will face charges.

The Embassy emphasized that crossing the United States border illegally is dangerous and will have legal repercussions. It warned about the risks and severe consequences that offenders will face:

• Migrants will not be eligible for asylum.
• They will be sent back to their country of origin or to a third country.
• They will face a reentry ban to the U.S. of at least five years.
• They could face possible criminal charges in the U.S.

The White House issued an official statement on Tuesday indicating that the executive actions signed by President Biden will be in effect when the high levels of encounters of illegal migrants at the southern border exceed the capacity to generate timely consequences.

The Biden administration hopes that these measures will make it easier for immigration officers to immediately deport those migrants who do not have a legal basis to stay in the United States.

Another goal of these actions is to reduce the workload of Border Patrol agents, who are overwhelmed by the high number of illegal crossings.

The United States Embassy in Cuba reiterated the importance of using legal channels to migrate and seek asylum. They highlighted that the new measures protect the sovereignty and security of US borders, and also aim to deter migrants from risking their lives in dangerous illegal crossings.

The warning comes at a time of growing concern about irregular migration movements and the unsafe conditions faced by immigrants when trying to cross borders unauthorized.

The Embassy urges all those interested in migrating to be informed about the current immigration and asylum policies in the United States.