As the U.S. government largely blocks Cuban migrants from entering the country, more Cubans are heading to Brazil, NPR reported on August 3. Many are fleeing economic sanctions and fuel shortages.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) cited the Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA) in Washington, D.C., reporting that Brazil received 44,381 asylum applications from Cubans last year, double the number from the previous year. NPR estimates that thousands of Cubans are arriving in Brazil each month, surpassing the number of Venezuelan refugees in South America.
Cuban migrants primarily use the 'Guyana route.' They fly to Guyana, a South American country that allows visa-free entry, and then cross into Brazil through the Amazon rainforest. However, they face significant challenges, including paying smugglers thousands of dollars and traveling nearly 5,000 kilometers by bus through the tropical rainforest.
The report also noted that the Brazilian government offers local work permits and access to social services for asylum seekers, making Brazil an attractive destination for Cubans. While they can stay temporarily in Brazil until their asylum applications are processed, they can seek employment and access welfare services during the often lengthy review period. Although they must prove political persecution and face low approval rates, they can appeal if their applications are denied.
Communities of Cuban immigrants are forming in several Brazilian cities. In Volta Redonda, located about 290 kilometers northeast of São Paulo, a group has started a Bible study, praying for fellow Cubans still suffering in their homeland. A Cuban immigrant community has also emerged in Curitiba, a southern city with a population of 3 million, which is sometimes referred to as 'New Miami' due to its significant Cuban population.
Additionally, the fact that immigrants make up only 1% of Brazil's 200 million population is seen as a strength. Larissa Getirana, an activist with the refugee support organization Caritas, noted that anti-immigrant sentiment has not gained political traction in Brazil, attributing this to the low percentage of immigrants.
Meanwhile, life for those remaining in Cuba is becoming increasingly difficult. With energy shortages during the hot summer months, many citizens are reportedly sleeping on the streets. According to the AP, the entire island has been experiencing blackouts due to U.S. oil sanctions, forcing exhausted residents to seek rest in shaded areas along the coast or on the streets. On August 2, Cuba's power grid collapsed, plunging the island into darkness. Additionally, many wells powered by electricity have dried up due to the energy crisis, leading to water shortages.
Since 2021, Cuban authorities estimate that about 1 million people have left the country, representing roughly 10% of the population.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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