The Cuban opposition figure Juan Aguado Cuéllar, who crossed the border in April, is currently detained and facing criminal charges for entering the United States irregularly.
According to a report from the network Univisión, Aguado Cuéllar carried out
"A Cuba cannot return because if they go back to Cuba, they will be imprisoned like an animal," they told the media.
The border crossings of Cubans into the United States have collapsed after Trump declared the closure of borders. In February 2025, only 150 entries were recorded. Of this total, 12 entered through the border with Canada, 111 through Mexico, and the rest by sea.
The new immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration have tightened border controls and restricted access to irregular entry points, leading to a 93% decrease in encounters with Cuban migrants during the first months of 2025.
The end of programs such as Parole humanitarian and the CBP One application has limited options for Cuban migrants. Furthermore, these policies have increased deportations and restricted legal entry opportunities.
This decline occurs after a period of high migratory traffic in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025, which began on October 1, 2024.
Although the crisis in Cuba continues to be a determining factor in the departure of its citizens, the new restrictions imposed by the U.S. have severely limited the options for migrants.
Frequently asked questions about the immigration situation of Cubans in the U.S. and immigration policies
Why was the Cuban opposition figure Juan Aguado Cuéllar detained in the U.S.?
Juan Aguado Cuéllar was arrested for entering the United States irregularly. After fleeing Cuba and failing to secure an appointment on time through the CBP One app to apply for asylum, he crossed the border from Mexico and is now facing criminal charges in Texas.
How have Donald Trump's policies affected Cuban migration to the U.S.?
Donald Trump's policies have tightened border controls and restricted irregular entry pathways, leading to a 93% decrease in encounters with Cuban migrants in the early months of 2025. This has severely limited options for Cubans seeking to emigrate to the U.S.
What is the CBP One program and why is it important for Cuban migrants?
The CBP One program allowed migrants to request appointments to enter the U.S. legally, facilitating the asylum process and reducing the need for irregular crossings. However, with the closure of this program following Donald Trump's arrival in the presidency, options for migrants, including Cubans, have become limited.
What consequences does Juan Aguado Cuéllar face if he is deported to Cuba?
If Juan Aguado Cuéllar is deported to Cuba, he could face imprisonment. His brother has stated that the Cuban opposition figure would be at risk of inhumane treatment if he returns to the island, which is why he has secured legal representation to prevent his deportation.
What are the alternatives for Cubans seeking asylum in the U.S. after the closure of CBP One and humanitarian parole?
With the closure of CBP One and the humanitarian parole, options for Cubans have become limited. Nevertheless, some may attempt to regularize their status under the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows for a permanent residency application after one year in the country with parole.
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