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The Cuban psychologist Roxanne Castellanos Cabrera warned about the deep emotional scars left by the massive exodus on the island, noting that the Cuban family, the soul of the nation, is fractured and burdened with suffering due to the separation between generations.
In an extensive post on social media, Castellanos emphasized that one cannot judge lightly those who decide to emigrate, leaving behind minor children and elderly adults. “Many people have left, carrying mountains of guilt and suffering. Others have adopted defense mechanisms to be able to move forward,” he wrote, while acknowledging that reunification and remote support have become the backbone of thousands of households.
The specialist warned that forced separations have devastating effects on children and the elderly, and that the massive migration of recent years reflects that “the land where you are born no longer becomes a project for the present and future.”
A historic exodus
The psychologist's words come amid an unprecedented migration scenario. According to data, more than 250,000 Cubans emigrated in 2024, although independent estimates raise the actual figure to 545,000.
Between 2022 and 2024, it is estimated that more than 850,000 Cubans arrived in the United States, primarily through the southern border, while in fiscal year 2023 more than 200,000 sought asylum in that country.
The flow to the U.S. continues to be predominant, but not exclusive. In Honduras, more than 60,000 Cubans traversed the country in 2024 heading north, and in Mexico, thousands chose to settle permanently in light of the new U.S. restrictions.
Other emerging destinations include Brazil, where Cubans surpassed Venezuelans in asylum applications, and the Dominican Republic, which granted legal residency to more than 1,200 Cubans in 2025.
In Europe, the Law of Democratic Memory allowed tens of thousands of Cubans to obtain Spanish nationality since 2022.
Demographic and human consequences
The migration crisis is already reflected in the very population structure of Cuba. Recent studies warn that the country may have lost up to 24% of its population in just four years, a reduction that in other contexts is compared to countries at war. By the end of 2023, the "effective" population stood at around 10 million inhabitants, following the departure of more than 300,000 residents in just a few months.
The Center for Demographic Studies (CEDEM) estimates that almost 11% of the Cuban population lives abroad, mostly young people of working age, which exacerbates the aging of the island. At the same time, the government acknowledged that the country has been “below replacement” population since 2019, with more deaths than births each year.
The outlook is not encouraging despite deportations and forced returns. In 2024, at least 1,384 Cubans were returned to the island, while currently over 42,000 are facing final deportation orders in the United States. Human rights organizations warn that nearly 550,000 Cuban migrants could be at risk of expulsion following the end of humanitarian parole.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Exodus and its Consequences
What are the main emotional consequences of the Cuban exodus?
The Cuban exodus has generated profound emotional repercussions, including feelings of guilt and suffering for both those who emigrate and those who remain. Families have been fractured, causing distress among children and the elderly due to separation. These effects result in a deterioration of the Cuban social fabric, where reunification and remote support have become an essential pillar.
What impact does mass migration have on Cuba's demographics?
The massive migration has significantly reduced Cuba's population, with estimates of a loss of up to 24% of the population in four years. This has led to an aging population and a decrease in the young workforce, further complicating the country's economic and social situation.
Why do many Cubans choose countries like Brazil and Mexico as migration destinations?
Cubans choose Brazil and Mexico due to the more restrictive immigration policies of the United States. These countries offer new economic and social opportunities, although they are not without challenges such as the difficulty of obtaining asylum or dealing with the cost of living. Brazil, for example, has become an appealing destination due to the possibility of settling down and achieving a more dignified life.
How does the Cuban exodus affect the families that remain on the island?
The Cuban exodus leaves behind empty homes and separated families. Often, the elderly are left alone and children grow up without the presence of one or both parents. This phenomenon has transformed the social landscape of Cuba, creating an environment of loneliness and hopelessness for those who cannot or do not wish to leave the island.
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