A total of 15,645 Cubans entered the United States during the month of July, according to the latest data released by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This figure represents a slight decrease compared to June, when 17,563 Cubans entered the country, marking the lowest entry recorded in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2024.
So far in the fiscal year 2024, which began on October 1, 2023, a total of 196,567 Cubans have already entered the U.S. through various means. In July alone, 4,918 migrants from the island entered via Florida, many of them by sea, as detailed in the CBP report. Although July showed a decrease in the migratory flow from the island, the cumulative total continues to surpass the figures of the previous fiscal year.
During the first nine months of the fiscal year 2023, there were 164,440 border encounters with Cubans, compared to the 196,163 registered up to July 2024. The ongoing crisis in Cuba remains a driving force behind the mass and irregular migration to the United States, raising concerns in Washington, which announced on Friday that it is attempting to restart the humanitarian parole program "as soon as possible" after suspending it two weeks ago due to fraud suspicions.
Since the start of the program in 2023 and up until July 2024, at least 110,000 Cubans have been screened and authorized to travel legally to the U.S.
Key Questions About Cuban Migration to the U.S.
Given the significant influx of Cuban migrants to the United States, there are several important questions and answers that shed light on this ongoing issue.
Why did the number of Cuban migrants decrease in July?
The number of Cuban migrants decreased in July compared to June, marking the lowest entry recorded in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2024. This could be due to various factors including tighter border controls and changing migration policies.
How many Cubans have entered the U.S. in fiscal year 2024 so far?
As of July 2024, a total of 196,567 Cubans have entered the United States through various means.
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program is a U.S. initiative that allows individuals to enter the country legally for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. The program was suspended recently due to fraud suspicions but is expected to restart soon.
How has the crisis in Cuba influenced migration?
The ongoing crisis in Cuba has been a major driver of mass and irregular migration to the United States. Economic instability, lack of freedoms, and worsening living conditions are pushing more Cubans to seek better opportunities abroad.