Cubans and Haitians lead the asylum requests before the Mexican Commission for Aid to Refugees (COMAR) in Tapachula, Chiapas, aiming to establish themselves in Mexico, after being stranded due to the restrictive immigration policies implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The offices of COMAR receive an average of 1,000 people daily, mostly from Cuban and Haitian origins. Tapachula is the city with the highest number of asylum requests in the entire country, highlighted a report from the Mexican newspaper Diario del Sur.
Migrants like the Cuban Óscar Contreras stated to the publication that their intention is not to reach the United States, but to stay in Mexico to rebuild their lives.
“Most Cubans leave with the intention of finding freedom and not necessarily to reach the United States. Well, that's my case; I am staying to live in Mexico and I'm in the process of relocating to the central part of the country. There are better job opportunities there, and they pay much better than here,” she expressed.
Such a decision aligns with those of other compatriots who, whether in search of the American dream or not, find in Mexico the support to improve their living conditions, and has now transformed into a destination in itself: the “Mexican dream”.
Contreras stated that the situation in Cuba is so critical that even Haiti seems like a better option.
Referring to the mass exodus of Cubans amid the deep economic crisis and increasing government repression in their country, he stated that "it is causing the island to be left without people, as everyone wants to seek better living conditions and live freely."
He added that he plans to bring his two children and wife "so they can live as people, but first I need to have my Mexican papers, and I'm here applying for asylum in Tapachula."
On his part, the Haitian Farah Leclerc recounted that violence, food shortages, and poverty forced him to migrate. Today, he sells water and food to other migrants from his homeland while he waits to regularize his status.
He stated that migrants "are very poorly paid," but it helps them get ahead, and they trust that, once they have their residency documents or are legally in the country, they will be able to earn much more in a stable job.
Both witnesses agreed that Mexico represents an opportunity to rebuild their lives, although the migration process is slow and job opportunities are scarce. However, their priority is to legalize their status and gain access to more dignified employment.
The immigration policies implemented by President Trump, which restrict the entry of migrants through the U.S.-Mexico border, have complicated the situation for Cuban emigrants and those from other nationalities, leading many to consider staying in Mexico, which has overwhelmed the asylum offices in the southern part of that country.
Measures taken by Washington resulted in the irregular migration of Cubans to the United States recording extremely low figures in March 2025, with only 132 unauthorized entries, according to official data released by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The U.S. government has made it clear that it will strengthen controls at entry points and limit options for irregular entry, which has forced many Cubans to reconsider their migration strategies or seek alternatives in other countries.
A few days ago, the Consul General of Cuba in Veracruz, Elisa Martínez Martínez, stated that requests for repatriation by Cuban citizens have notably increased in recent months.
The Government of Mexico committed to accepting the reception of Cuban migrants deported by the U.S. who cannot be sent directly to their country of origin.
According to data from COMAR, in 2024 there were more than 16,000 asylum applications by Cuban citizens, making them the second largest group of applicants, only surpassed by Hondurans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Asylum Applications in Tapachula
Why are Cubans seeking asylum in Tapachula?
Due to the restrictive immigration policies implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump, many Cubans have chosen to seek asylum in Tapachula, Mexico. They aim to settle in Mexico as an alternative to the "American Dream," which has now transformed into the "Mexican Dream." The growing economic crisis and repression in Cuba also drive Cubans to search for better living conditions in Mexico.
What is the current situation of Cuban asylum applications in Mexico?
Cuban asylum applications in Mexico have overwhelmed the offices of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) in Tapachula. In 2024, more than 16,000 asylum applications were filed by Cuban citizens, making them the second largest group of applicants after Hondurans. Despite this, a high percentage of rejections has been reported, causing concern among the applicants.
How do Donald Trump's immigration policies affect Cubans in Mexico?
Donald Trump's immigration policies have significantly restricted the entry of migrants into the United States, leading to an increase in asylum applications in Mexico. These measures have resulted in a decrease in illegal crossings of Cubans into the United States, forcing many to reconsider their plans and choose to settle in Mexico as a more viable option.
What challenges do Cubans face when seeking to settle in Mexico?
Cuban individuals looking to settle in Mexico face several challenges, including the overcrowding of asylum offices, the sluggish pace of immigration procedures, and insecurity in areas like Tapachula. Moreover, many Cubans find low-paying jobs while waiting for the regularization of their immigration status. However, they believe that Mexico offers a chance to rebuild their lives away from the repression in Cuba.
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