The irregular migration of Cubans to the United States recorded extremely low numbers again in March 2025, with only 132 unauthorized entries, according to official data released by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The Nationwide Encounters system reports from CBP combine apprehensions, inadmissibles, and expulsions under Titles 8 and 42 of the United States Code. Out of the total number of Cubans who entered the country illegally, 73 crossed the southern border with Mexico, 10 crossed the northern border with Canada, and 49 arrived by sea.
This number represents a decline compared to February, when 150 crossings of Cubans were recorded. The downward trend in migration flow is confirmed since the administration of Donald Trump reactivated more restrictive policies at the border at the beginning of this year.
More severe measures and the end of humanitarian programs
The drastic decrease in the number of Cubans entering is largely attributed to the cancellation of the humanitarian parole program and the CBP One application, which until recently provided a legal pathway for thousands of migrants to enter the United States.
In December 2024, more than 8,900 Cubans entered through various borders. However, in January 2025, the number dropped to 6,314, and in February it plummeted to 150, marking a 93% decrease in just three months.
A new migratory landscape
The changes in Trump's immigration policies have had an immediate effect on the behavior of those seeking to leave the island amid a persistent economic and social crisis. The causes of Cuban migration, such as repression, inflation, shortages, and lack of freedoms, have not disappeared, but the routes to the United States have become increasingly inaccessible.
In March, CBP reported a total of 28,000 border encounters from all nationalities, a figure well below the 256,000 encounters recorded in the same month the previous year.
The U.S. government has made it clear that it will strengthen controls at entry points and will limit options for irregular entry, forcing many Cubans to reconsider their migration strategies or seek alternatives in other countries.
Impact on Cuban communities
The decline in migration also affects Cuban communities in transit in countries like Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua, where thousands of people have been left stranded while waiting for new opportunities to continue their journey.
Meanwhile, in Cuba, many families are still waiting for news about their loved ones who left in previous months, and whose fate remains uncertain due to the lack of safe and legal channels for emigration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migration to the United States in 2025
Why has illegal migration of Cubans to the United States decreased in 2025?
The decrease in illegal migration of Cubans to the United States in 2025 is primarily due to the reactivation of more restrictive immigration policies implemented by the Donald Trump administration. These policies include the end of humanitarian parole and the application of CBP One, which previously facilitated the legal entry of migrants. The stricter measures at the border have made irregular routes increasingly inaccessible for Cubans.
What has been the impact of the new immigration policies on Cuban communities in transit?
The new immigration policies have significantly impacted Cuban communities in transit, as many migrants have been stranded in countries like Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Due to the lack of safe routes to reach the United States, Cubans have had to seek alternatives and reconsider their immigration strategies, which has also affected families in Cuba waiting for news from their loved ones.
How has the migration landscape for Cubans changed under Donald Trump's policies?
The migration landscape for Cubans has drastically changed with Donald Trump's policies. The elimination of programs like humanitarian parole and increased border controls have significantly reduced options for legal migration to the United States. This has led many Cubans to view Mexico as a final destination rather than a transit country, seeking to establish themselves there in light of the challenges of reaching U.S. soil.
What alternatives do Cubans have in light of the closure of migration routes to the United States?
Against the backdrop of the closure of migration pathways to the United States, many Cubans are choosing to settle in Mexico, where they can apply for asylum and look for work. Mexico has transitioned from being a transit point to becoming a destination in its own right for Cubans, who see this country as a viable alternative due to the more restrictive policies in the United States.
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