Cubans seeking asylum in Mexico are now facing a more rigorous examination of their claims and evidence by the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR). Particular scrutiny is being given to the time elapsed between the alleged incidents and the departure from Cuba, as well as the ongoing nature of the purported persecution.
Dr. Irene Pascual, an expert in Mexican immigration law, delivered this warning in a TikTok video. She noted that numerous Cuban nationals have reached out to her in recent weeks after receiving rejections in their asylum processes.
"COMAR no longer believes the stories of Cuban asylum seekers," Pascual stated, summarizing what she has observed in the negative decisions of several applicants.
Challenges Facing Cuban Asylum Seekers
A major issue lies in the timing of events. Pascual cited examples of individuals who claim to have experienced certain events in Cuba during 2023 but remained on the island until 2025 before leaving. In such cases, COMAR might determine that the absence of new incidents before leaving suggests the person ceased to be a target, weakening their claim for asylum.
The Importance of Consistent Evidence
Another crucial factor is what Pascual referred to as "systematicity." Simply put, isolated incidents may not suffice to prove a genuine and ongoing threat, undermining the need for asylum.
This warning is particularly relevant for those whose asylum requests are based on participation in anti-government protests in Cuba. "Previously, merely claiming participation in a protest was enough for COMAR to grant asylum; that is no longer the case," Pascual emphasized.
Pascual advised that applicants should not only provide detailed accounts during their interviews but also bolster their narratives with evidence whenever possible. This includes presenting documents, photos, complaints, summonses, or other items that substantiate their claims, preferably before the interview and in writing.
Recommendations for Strengthening Asylum Applications
COMAR itself highlights the importance of the eligibility interview to understand the applicant's story and stresses the value of providing evidence to support the claims made. Such evidence can be submitted at the start of the process or during its progression.
For now, Pascual's warning should be seen as an assessment based on the decisions she has reviewed and the cases she has encountered, rather than an official new policy from COMAR.
Cubans have long faced challenges in securing asylum in Mexico. In late 2024, migrants reported asylum denials even after presenting evidence of repression and threats in Cuba. Some claimed that authorities interpreted their departures as driven primarily by economic reasons.
Migratory pressure has persisted. By January 2026, Cubans were among the leading recipients of Mexican humanitarian visas, while many applicants waited months for interviews or decisions in cities like Tapachula and Tijuana.
The situation has become even more complicated with the arrival of thousands of Cubans deported from the United States. A report by Human Rights Watch recorded over 4,353 Cubans sent to Mexico between January 2025 and March 2026, documenting cases of individuals stranded without documents, stable employment, or a clear path to legalize their status.
Understanding COMAR's Refugee Application Process
What are the new challenges for Cuban asylum seekers in Mexico?
Cuban asylum seekers in Mexico now face stricter scrutiny of their claims, with a focus on the timing of their departure from Cuba and the continuity of their alleged persecution.
Why is evidence important in the asylum application process with COMAR?
Evidence is crucial in substantiating asylum claims, as it supports the applicant's narrative and demonstrates the reality and persistence of the threat they face, which is essential for COMAR's evaluation.
How has the situation changed for Cubans seeking refuge in Mexico?
The situation has become more challenging with increased deportations from the U.S. and stricter application assessments by COMAR, making it harder for Cubans to secure asylum.