Three Cuban migrants declared a hunger strike this week in front of the subdelegation of the National Migration Institute (INM) in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, to demand the granting of permanent resident visas.
Ilainez Jiménez and her son Luis Jiménez, along with Otmara Bustamente, have a ruling from a Mexican federal judge that requires immigration authorities to regularize their situation within 10 days, reported the local channel Canal 13 Tapachula.
Even so, the INM authorities are prolonging the process.
"We are waiting for a response to know if our residency application will be accepted, and we are not getting any answers. We have come several times and they send us back home. We have lost jobs and had bad experiences. And we don’t know how much longer this will go on. So today we declare a hunger strike here," said Luis.
For his part, Ilainez stated that he has already lost a job and fears the same will happen with the current one due to not having documents.
"We want a visa that allows us to be in Mexico legally. We have come 2, 3, and even 4 times, and we are never attended to here in immigration. That is why we will be on a hunger strike until they come out to attend to us," he said.
Otmara Bustamente, who recovered from breast cancer, told the local channel that she started the hunger strike because she wants to live in Mexico.
"What I really want is to have the paperwork to be able to work," she said.
José Luis Pérez Jiménez, the lawyer representing the migrants, denounced corruption in the issuance of visas for entry through the southern Mexican border.
In a migratory limbo
According to the Mexican authorities, during the first four months of 2024, Tapachula received an average of more than 13,000 migrants per month, while in the same period of 2025, the number did not exceed 2,000 per month.
Undocumented individuals, most of whom are of Cuban origin, have faced delays in receiving a decision on their asylum cases. Many have been waiting for more than six months without a response and could remain in this situation for over a year.
While waiting for legal permission to reside in Mexico, they engage in irregular jobs to ensure their survival.
Without contracts, migrant workers labor up to 12 hours to earn an average of 1,500 (78 USD) to 2,000 Mexican pesos biweekly or even per month. Most of the jobs they can access, as stated by Diario del Sur, are at counters in city businesses, in cleaning tasks, or in construction.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hunger Strike of Cuban Migrants in Mexico
Why did the Cuban migrants start a hunger strike in Mexico?
Cuban migrants have begun a hunger strike to demand the issuance of permanent resident visas. Despite having a court ruling that orders the regularization of their situation within 10 days, the immigration authorities have delayed the process. The strike is a pressure tactic to obtain a concrete and swift response from the National Institute of Migration in Tapachula.
What is the current situation of Cuban migrants in Tapachula?
Cuban migrants in Tapachula are facing a migratory limbo due to the slow asylum and residency processing. Many have been waiting for a resolution for over six months, forcing them to work informally to survive. This situation arises in the context of tightening immigration policies in the United States, which has led more Cubans to consider Mexico as a permanent destination.
What risks do Cuban migrants face in Mexico?
Cuban migrants in Mexico face risks such as kidnappings, extortions, and precarious working conditions. In Tapachula, insecurity is high, and migrants often fall victim to criminal gangs operating in the area. Furthermore, many work in poorly paid jobs without guarantees, making it difficult for them to achieve economic and personal stability.
What alternatives do Cuban migrants have if they cannot reach the United States?
In light of the immigration restrictions in the United States, many Cubans are choosing to settle in Mexico. This decision is driven by the opportunity to obtain asylum and work legally in the country. Although the process is slow, Mexico emerges as a viable alternative for those seeking to improve their living conditions and avoid returning to Cuba.
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