Over the weekend, a cruise ship departing from Tampa came to the aid of nearly 30 Cuban nationals stranded at sea, highlighting a recurring phenomenon amidst a surge in Cuban immigration to the United States.
Lutheran Services Florida reports that since January 2022, they have assisted over 30,000 Cubans who have arrived in Hillsborough County alone.
Among those closely witnessing the influx of Cubans is Rafael Pizano, a longstanding advocate for the Cuban community.
For Rafael and his father, Roberto Pizano, a morning cup of coffee serves as more than just a ritual; it is a connection to their Cuban heritage. Roberto’s journey to the U.S. was driven by exile, a narrative the Pizanos share to shed light on the challenges confronting many Cubans.
“People are willing to risk their lives for a better future and to escape an unchanging dictatorship that has persisted for 65 years,” Rafael explains.
Since 2022, the United States has experienced an unprecedented influx of Cuban immigrants. U.S. Customs and Border Protection records indicate encountering over 400,000 Cubans at ports of entry.
Elizabeth Aranda, Director of Immigrant Wellbeing at the University of South Florida, notes that while sea travel is not common, it persists as a mode of migration. Additionally, Aranda suggests that alternative routes, such as Nicaragua allowing flights for Cuban nationals without visas, may be contributing to the heightened migration.
Most Cuban immigrants settling in Florida gravitate towards the southern region, with Tampa emerging as the second-largest destination for Cuban migrants.
Rafael underscores years of advocacy efforts aimed at effecting change in Cuba. He believes that enforcing the Cuban Democracy Act could catalyze this change, albeit acknowledging challenges in conveying this message to government leaders.
Despite hurdles, the Pizanos remain committed to championing their Cuban community, aspiring for a liberated Cuba.
Amidst the uptick in Cuban migration, the Biden administration’s parole program and recent updates to the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program offer avenues for Cuban immigrants to reconnect with loved ones in the U.S. and Cuba.