While thousands of Cubans continue to dream of reaching Miami, a growing segment has begun to chart a different course. With the United States tightening its immigration policies under President Donald Trump, Brazil—particularly the city of Curitiba—has become a fresh destination for those fleeing the island's economic collapse and oppressive regime.
"Every day, more people arrive," shared Santiago de Posada, a 53-year-old from Camagüey who now operates a pizzeria in downtown Curitiba, speaking to Bloomberg. He arrived in Brazil in 2022 and has witnessed the Cuban community multiply in a matter of months. In 2024, over 22,000 Cubans sought asylum in Brazil, doubling the previous year's figure and surpassing even Venezuelans in the volume of applications, according to Bloomberg.
A New Path as the American Dream Fades
Under Trump's immigration policies, which removed special protections for Cubans and left many facing deportation, numerous island residents have relinquished the American dream. Such is the case for Lisbet Despaigne, a 35-year-old mother from Havana who migrated to Brazil after learning a relative was detained in Mexico. "I didn't want my children to go through that," she explained to Bloomberg from her new apartment in Curitiba.
Curitiba, the capital of Paraná state, has seen an influx of Cubans with similar stories, all in search of stability, a roof over their heads, food on the table, and the chance to live as human beings. "It's not much, but it's enough to live like a person," remarked Roberto Carlos Escriba, a 27-year-old from Las Tunas who works as a machinery operator, dining with his family in a restaurant filled with fellow Cubans and the sounds of reggaeton.
From Havana to Fully Stocked Supermarkets
For many, arriving in Brazil means encountering sights that seem impossible back home. "Cubans come here and walk into supermarkets full of meat and feel like crying," said Oscar Vásquez, a 22-year-old chef from Havana with over 12,000 TikTok followers. "When I left Cuba, I never imagined restaurants like these, and I'm a cook." The migration wave has been amplified by social media, YouTube channels, and Facebook groups like "Cubanos en Curitiba," boasting over 45,000 members sharing advice on housing, jobs, and sending remittances.
The Challenge of Starting Over
The journey isn't easy. Many travel via Guyana—the only regional country they can enter without a visa—and then undertake long treks to southern Brazil. Some fall prey to fraudulent travel agencies, while others combat racism or navigate Brazil's bureaucracy for refugee status. "A person who migrates without papers is nobody," summarized Noslen Castro, a resident of Venâncio Aires, who has become a guide for fellow Cubans.
In Curitiba, stories like that of Liset Larrondo Salas, an Afro-Cuban from Santiago who faced racial discrimination in a hair salon, are not uncommon. "That's their problem. I'm not going to stop being Black," she responded firmly.
The Language of a New Life
Today, Cuban accents are heard in supermarkets, schools, and parks. Hundreds of Cuban children have enrolled in local schools, and Cuban businesses—ranging from restaurants and barber shops to tattoo parlors—are thriving. Although Curitiba's mayor, Eduardo Pimentel, has welcomed the migrants, he has expressed concerns about the potential strain on the city's resources.
Despite the challenges, for many Cubans, this new life is worth it. "Cubans always think of the United States because there you can economically support your family. And as much as I want to, I can't now," admitted Oreste de la Cruz, a Camagüey engineer washing dishes in Curitiba after his U.S. asylum application was denied.
Meanwhile, some like Gerardo González, a 43-year-old tattoo artist, have already brought over his wife, son, and even his Chihuahua. "In the end, they'll be speaking Spanish here," he joked.
According to a study cited by Bloomberg, Cuba's population has shrunk by almost a quarter in the past four years. The shift to Brazil isn't just a statistic; it's a reflection of the daily realities many Cubans face on the island. "I can't live without electricity, without food, without a future," one said. "Here, at least, I can live like a human being," another echoed.
And in that sentiment, an entire exodus is encapsulated.
Exploring Cuban Migration to Brazil
Why are Cubans choosing Brazil over the U.S.?
Due to the tightened U.S. immigration policies under President Trump, many Cubans find it increasingly difficult to reach the United States. Brazil offers an alternative, providing more accessible entry and opportunities for asylum.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Brazil?
Cuban migrants in Brazil often face challenges such as long journeys, potential scams from travel agencies, racial discrimination, and dealing with bureaucratic processes to gain refugee status.
How has the Cuban community grown in Curitiba?
The Cuban community in Curitiba has expanded rapidly, with many arriving in search of stability and opportunity. Social media and community networks have facilitated this growth by providing information and support.