Yurik Sander Osoria, known artistically as Pabilo Clown, performs at children's parties and various venues to make a name for himself in the Mexican border city of Tapachula, in Chiapas.
The Cuban left the Island in 2019 and settled in Uruguay. Later, in December 2024, he managed to reach Mexico and, despite not having regularized his immigration status yet, he takes the time to develop his profession and survive.
According to a report from the local newspaper in Tapachula, Diario del Sur, Sander is originally from Havana.
The young man studied at the School of Art Instructors and later joined a mime academy. He has experience in children's theater and specialized in the art of clowning after joining the National Circus of Cuba.
Now, in Tapachula, he works as a clown at children's parties but also entertains in water parks and roams the streets of the city to surprise Mexicans with a trick.
"She began to perform in public spaces such as parks, squares, and streets. Since then, her work has drawn the attention of both passersby and local business owners," wrote the Chiapaneco site.
He also added that one of his first jobs in Tapachula was as a collaborator in promoting an optics store in the city center.
One of her aspirations, as she stated to the news outlet, is to join a local circus.
Although it is not specified whether the purpose of their arrival in the border city was to wait for an asylum appointment for the U.S., their case is reminiscent of many Cubans who have been stranded in Mexico, where they have had to rebuild their lives.
This year, Cubans were also shocked by the story of a migrant who was unable to complete her residency in gynecology and obstetrics in order to leave the country.
The Cuban woman, who was unable to emigrate to the United States because the U.S. government eliminated the CBP One appointment request system on January 20, has transitioned from being a doctor in Cuba to becoming a manicurist in Mexico.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of Cuban migrants in Tapachula
Who is Yurik Sander Osoria and what does he do in Tapachula?
Yurik Sander Osoria, known as Pabilo Clown, is a Cuban migrant who works as a clown at children's parties and other events in Tapachula, Mexico. He has settled in the city to develop his artistic career while waiting to regularize his immigration status. Before arriving in Mexico, he had lived in Uruguay and trained at the School of Art Instructors and a pantomime academy in Cuba.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Tapachula?
Cuban migrants in Tapachula face challenges such as insecurity, overcrowded asylum offices, and difficulty in regularizing their immigration status. Violence and crime have increased in the region, compelling many migrants to take extra precautions. Furthermore, U.S. immigration policies have complicated their plans to migrate north, leading many to consider staying in Mexico.
How has Donald Trump's immigration policies impacted Cubans in Mexico?
Donald Trump's immigration policy has significantly restricted the options for Cuban migrants to enter the United States, forcing many to reconsider their strategies. This has led to a saturation of asylum offices in Mexico, particularly in cities like Tapachula, where many Cubans are now seeking to settle permanently.
What is the current security situation for migrants in Tapachula?
The security situation in Tapachula is concerning, with an increase in kidnappings, robberies, and extortions particularly affecting migrants. These crimes have created an atmosphere of fear, and many migrants have chosen to limit their activities to avoid becoming victims. The lack of an effective response from local authorities has heightened concern within the migrant community.
Filed under:
