We have strategically aligned our Cuba and migration work, focusing our advocacy efforts on establishing safe and regular pathways for Cubans seeking to leave the island. As we adapt to evolving needs, especially considering the unprecedented numbers of Cubans taking to the seas, CEDA is actively streamlining and consolidating our efforts in both the Cuba and migration spheres.

Cuban Migration to the United States

In the month of March, 19,571 Cuban migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees attempted entrance into the US, marking a total of 126,517 encounters thus far for FY2024. According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in FY2023, there were 200,287 total encounters with Cuban migrants and asylum seekers–an approximate 10 percent decrease from the previous year. “Encounters” constitute either an expulsion, in which migrants are deported to their home country or last country of transit, or apprehension, in which migrants are detained in the US, by CBP.

Cubans Interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard (FY 23 & FY 24)

Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 started in October 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has interdicted approximately 367 Cuban migrants. In FY 2023, the USCG interdicted over an estimated 6,900 Cuban migrants–surpassing the total number of Cuban migrants in all of FY 2022. Seaborne migration saw a steady increase in FY 2022, totaling more than the past five years combined; in FY 2022, 6,182 Cuban migrants were interdicted by the USCG, while the total number of interdictions between FY 2017 and FY 2021 was 2,927.

Source: Elaborated by CEDA with data from Migrant interdiction Security in Coastguards News Site