Amid a growing wave of migration, Cubans who have managed to reach Mexico and are trying to settle in the country have reported that Mexican authorities are systematically rejecting asylum applications, even when migrants present compelling evidence of political repression in their home country.
According to testimonies gathered by Diario del Sur, approximately 90% of asylum requests from Cuban citizens have been denied, even when evidence of repression and death threats from the Cuban regime is provided.
In Tapachula, Chiapas, for example, some applicants have stated that the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid (COMAR) has not provided a positive response to their requests.
Juan Rodríguez Castillo, one of those affected, recounted that the Cuban police physically assaulted him for expressing his opposition to the government, leaving him with a disabled hand. Despite presenting documentation supporting his situation, his asylum request was denied.
Another migrant, Osiel Rodríguez, expressed his bewilderment at the denial from COMAR, pointing out that Mexican authorities argue that applicants left Cuba for economic reasons, failing to acknowledge the political persecution.
This situation has led Cuban migrants to seek legal alternatives, such as appeals, to obtain international protection in Mexico.
However, the lack of a favorable response places them in a vulnerable position, without documents that would allow them to reside legally in the country or reunite with their families.
In light of the asylum denial and travel restrictions, some are considering continuing their journey to the United States or other regions of Mexico in search of safety and better opportunities.
As of today, the COMAR has received 16,376 asylum applications from Cuban citizens this year. However, the high rejection rate has raised concerns among human rights organizations, which are urging the Mexican authorities to review their asylum policies and ensure fair and transparent processes for those fleeing political persecution.
On their journey to the United States, thousands of Cubans have traveled through Mexico, facing numerous challenges.
In November 2024, on the same day as the presidential elections in the United States, caravans of migrants, including Cuban citizens, departed from southern Mexico towards the U.S. border, seeking attention from both governments to establish a legal immigration plan.
The mass exodus of Cubans is driven by a profound economic and social crisis in Cuba, marked by shortages of food, medicine, and basic goods, along with rampant inflation.
The situation has worsened since the protests in July 2021 and the subsequent government repression, leading many Cubans to seek better opportunities outside the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rejection of Asylum Applications from Cubans in Mexico
Why are Mexican authorities rejecting asylum requests from Cubans?
Mexican authorities are systematically rejecting asylum requests from Cubans, even when they present evidence of political persecution. The reasons cited by the authorities include the argument that the applicants left Cuba for economic reasons, disregarding the political repression they face.
What legal alternatives do Cubans have if their asylum application has been rejected in Mexico?
Cubans whose asylum applications have been rejected in Mexico can seek legal alternatives such as appeals in an attempt to obtain international protection. However, the lack of a favorable response leaves them in a vulnerable position without documents that would allow them to reside legally in the country.
What impact does the rejection of asylum applications have on the lives of Cubans in Mexico?
The rejection of asylum applications leaves Cubans in a vulnerable situation, without documents to reside legally in Mexico or reunite with their families. Many are considering continuing their journey to the United States or other regions of Mexico in search of safety and better opportunities.
How many asylum applications from Cubans has Mexico received in 2024?
As of today, the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) has received 16,376 asylum requests from Cuban citizens so far in 2024. This figure indicates an increase compared to previous years, largely due to the crisis in Cuba.
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