Cuban psychologist Roxanne Castellanos Cabrera has highlighted the deep emotional scars left by the mass exodus from the island, emphasizing that the Cuban family, the heart of the nation, is fractured and burdened by generational separation. In a detailed social media post, Castellanos stressed that it is unjust to hastily judge those who choose to emigrate, leaving behind young children and elderly parents. "Many have left, carrying heavy loads of guilt and suffering. Others have developed defense mechanisms to cope," she noted, acknowledging that reunification and distance support have become vital for countless households.
She warned of the devastating effects forced separations have on children and the elderly, and remarked that the recent mass migration shows that "the land where you are born ceases to be a project for the present and future."
An Unprecedented Exodus
The psychologist's comments come amid an unprecedented migration scenario. According to reports, over 250,000 Cubans emigrated in 2024, with independent estimates suggesting the true number may be as high as 545,000. Between 2022 and 2024, it is estimated that more than 850,000 Cubans arrived in the United States, primarily through the southern border, with over 200,000 seeking asylum in the U.S. during the 2023 fiscal year alone.
While the flow towards the U.S. remains predominant, it is not exclusive. In Honduras, over 60,000 Cubans passed through in 2024 en route to the north, and in Mexico, thousands chose to settle permanently due to new U.S. restrictions. Emerging destinations include Brazil, where Cubans surpassed Venezuelans in asylum requests, and the Dominican Republic, which granted legal residency to over 1,200 Cubans by 2025. In Europe, the Democratic Memory Law has allowed tens of thousands of Cubans to obtain Spanish nationality since 2022.
Demographic and Human Consequences
The migration crisis is already evident in Cuba's demographic structure. Recent studies suggest that the nation may have lost up to 24% of its population in just four years, a reduction comparable to wartime scenarios in other countries. By the end of 2023, the "effective" population was around 10 million, following the departure of more than 300,000 residents in a short period.
The Center for Demographic Studies (CEDEM) estimates nearly 11% of the Cuban population now resides abroad, mostly young individuals of working age, further exacerbating the island’s aging crisis. Concurrently, the government has acknowledged that the nation has been experiencing a "below replacement" population rate since 2019, with deaths outnumbering births annually.
The outlook remains bleak despite deportations and forced returns. In 2024, at least 1,384 Cubans were sent back to the island, while over 42,000 currently face final deportation orders in the United States. Human rights organizations warn that nearly 550,000 Cuban migrants could be at risk of expulsion following the end of humanitarian parole.
Key Questions about the Cuban Exodus
What emotional impact does the Cuban exodus have on families?
The mass exodus from Cuba has left deep emotional scars on families, causing fractures and burdening them with separation-induced guilt and suffering.
How has the demographics of Cuba changed due to migration?
Cuba's demographics have shifted significantly, with estimates indicating a population loss of up to 24% in four years, leading to a population largely comprised of older individuals.
What are the main destinations for Cuban migrants?
The United States remains the primary destination for Cuban migrants. However, many also head to countries like Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and European nations such as Spain.