The 10 Cuban rafters rescued by the cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas off the coast of Mexico may receive humanitarian visas in that country after having applied for asylum from the Mexican authorities.
The National Migration Institute (INM) has begun the procedures for identification, protection, and immigration regularization, according to official reports.
In this case, it involves eight men and two women who were disembarked at the Costa Maya dock in Mahahual, Quintana Roo state. Staff from the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) confirmed that they were in good health, although showing signs of malnutrition.
Semar officials stated that Cubans have expressed their intention to remain in Mexican territory. They could obtain refugee status or acquire a humanitarian visa.
However, it is important to highlight that Mexico can also deport illegal Cuban immigrants, as it was doing regularly until the end of 2023.
Rescue at sea due to cruise diversion
On Sunday night, the crew of the Enchantment of the Seas from Royal Caribbean spotted a makeshift vessel drifting near Isla Mujeres in the Mexican Caribbean.
The Cuban rafters called for help by waving a sweater while trying to bail out water from the raft to prevent capsizing, according to passengers on the cruise.
The ship, which had departed from Tampa, Florida, on September 27 for a route through Bahamas, diverted its itinerary to Mexico to avoid hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which were present in the eastern Caribbean.
The site Cruise Hive pointed out that this change of route was a stroke of luck that saved the lives of the Cubans.
Panorama for Cuban Raftists
The immigration policy of the United States has become stricter under the administration of Donald Trump. Currently, the rafts intercepted by the Coast Guard are returned to their country of origin in almost all cases. Even those who manage to set foot on land face the risk of deportation, unless they can make a strong case for political asylum.
The Coast Guard has intensified operations in the Florida Strait due to the ongoing flow of illegal departures from Cuba, driven by the economic crisis, scarcity, and lack of freedoms on the island.
The irregular migration has decreased in recent months, according to data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office, but sea voyages continue to be a desperate option for many Cubans seeking a better future.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rescue of Cuban Rafters by a Cruise Ship in Mexico
What happened to the Cuban raftsmen rescued by the cruise ship in Mexico?
The Cuban rafters were rescued by the cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas off the coast of Mexico. The National Migration Institute (INM) has initiated the procedures for their identification, protection, and immigration regularization, and they may receive a humanitarian visa in Mexico after applying for asylum. It was confirmed that they were in good health, although showing signs of malnutrition.
Why did the cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas change its route to Mexico?
The cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas, from the company Royal Caribbean, diverted its route to Mexico to avoid hurricanes Humberto and Imelda present in the eastern Caribbean. This change of course was a stroke of luck that saved the lives of the Cuban rafters, who were adrift in a precarious vessel.
What migration options do Cuban rafters have in Mexico?
Cuban rafters can choose to apply for refugee status or at least, obtain a visa for humanitarian reasons in Mexico. The National Institute of Migration (INM) is providing assistance for migrants to regularize their immigration status in the country.
What is the immigration policy of the United States towards Cuban rafters?
The immigration policy of the United States has tightened in recent years. Under the administration of Donald Trump, the rafts intercepted at sea by the Coast Guard are returned to their country in almost all cases. Even those who manage to reach land face the risk of being deported unless they can demonstrate a strong case for political asylum.
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