I sold my house to leave: Cubans stranded in Mexico

The promise of the American dream has turned into a nightmare for thousands of Cubans who remain stranded in Mexico after mass deportations by the Trump administration. “I sold my house to leave” summarizes the drama of those who abandoned everything and now have nowhere to return.

No home in Cuba, no future in Mexico

The migration crisis that intensified since 2021 has left a trail of unfinished stories. In cities like Tapachula, Chiapas, dozens of Cubans survive without documents, without formal employment, and without institutional support. Many sold their homes, left their families behind, and risked everything on a journey that ended in frustration.

“They can no longer move towards the United States, but they also lack the economic means to return to Cuba, which is currently experiencing a deep economic, political, and social crisis”

Tightening under Trump

Donald Trump’s immigration policies have closed entry routes to the United States and increased deportations of Cubans to Mexico. The cancellation of mechanisms that offered possibilities to apply for asylum has left thousands without legal alternatives to reunite with their families in Miami and other US cities.

Alarming figures:

• 427 Cubans deported so far in 2026
• 300,000 Cubans in legal limbo in the United States
• CHNV humanitarian parole program suspended
• 75 countries affected by new asylum policy

Deported to third countries

Mexican authorities consistently receive flights with deported Cubans, increasing pressure in a region already saturated with migrants. Although the Mexican government maintains an openness stance, in practice many Cubans lack work permits or regularized status.

The impossible dilemma

Faced with this situation, decisions become increasingly difficult:

• Some consider returning to Cuba despite the crisis that forced them to leave
• Others choose to stay in Mexico under precarious conditions
• A third group quietly waits for the chance to try crossing into the United States again

Regardless of their stance, they all share a common problem: they left everything behind to pursue a dream that didn’t come true, and now they have no home to return to.

Energy crisis worsens situation

The situation is complicated by the energy crisis in Cuba, with up to 16 hours of daily blackouts and 90% reduction in oil supply due to the blockade implemented by Trump. This makes return even less viable for those who already sold their properties.

FAQ

How many Cubans have been deported in 2026? Through March, 427 Cubans have been deported on multiple flights, marking an unprecedented escalation under the Trump administration.

Why can’t they return to Cuba? Many sold their houses and properties to finance the migration journey. Cuba is experiencing a severe economic crisis with blackouts of up to 16 hours daily.

What options do they have in Mexico? Options are limited: they lack work permits, regularized legal status, and face saturation in migrant support services.

Can they apply for asylum in Mexico? While Mexico maintains openness policies, the process is slow and living conditions while waiting are extremely precarious.

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For more information on deportations and migration policies, see our related articles on Trump’s deportation record and separated families in New York.

Source: Analysis based on reports from CiberCuba and specialized migration media.