Changing Attitudes Toward Cuban Immigrants
Not long ago, U.S. immigration officials welcomed Cuban immigrants like May Diaz with open arms. The 36-year-old from Camaguey participated in the nationwide protests against the Cuban government on July 11, 2021. After enduring violence from police during the protests, Diaz fled her homeland and reached Cancun, Mexico, three months later.
Journey to the United States
Diaz eventually made her way to the Mexican border town of Mexicali, where she crossed into U.S. territory on October 13, 2021, along with about 15 others. Historically, Cuban nationals have received preferential treatment as political refugees fleeing communist regimes. However, under President Joe Biden’s administration, Diaz found herself detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents. She was released shortly thereafter and relocated to New Jersey to stay with friends.
Seeking Asylum Amidst Political Pressure
After settling, Diaz applied for political asylum and managed to find various jobs in Texas and Florida while awaiting her green card decision. Her circumstances took a downturn in 2025 when the Trump administration intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration, leading to the rejection of her asylum request by U.S. Customs and Immigration Services in October of that year. Just a month later, her work permit was rescinded.
Fear and Uncertainty for Immigrants
In March, Diaz faced further challenges when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted an unannounced visit to her Houston apartment. Though she was not home, the incident compelled her to quickly gather her belongings and move to Miami. Diaz’s experience is not unique; many immigrants live in constant fear of deportation, often unsure of their futures in a hostile environment.
Immigration Policy and Political Ramifications
Despite the struggles faced by Cuban immigrants, support for Trump remains substantial among Florida’s Cuban-American voters. Approximately 68% of this demographic backed him in the 2024 presidential election, the highest level among U.S. Latino groups. The Trump administration responded by expelling significantly more Cubans in his first 17 months in office than during his entire first term.
Impact of Deportations and Human Rights Concerns
As of April, nearly 8,000 Cuban nationals had been expelled from the United States since Trump’s return to the White House, a sharp increase compared to previous years. Many returnees are stranded in Mexico under dire circumstances, often lacking basic necessities. Human Rights Watch indicates that the Mexican government offers little means for these individuals to obtain legal status, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and violence from criminal organizations.
Political Calculations and Future Prospects
The Trump administration’s immigration policies have raised questions about the underlying motivations driving these aggressive deportations. Analysts suggest that the administration’s focus on dismantling the Cuban regime may take precedence over addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of Cuban nationals. Senator Marco Rubio, a key figure in shaping Florida’s Cuba policy, capitalizes on the political climate, as a change of government in Cuba could enhance his prospects for the 2028 presidential race.
Complex Dynamics Among Cuban-American Leaders
Amid this backdrop, Miami has become a focal point for deportations, putting local Republican congressional representatives in a difficult position. Even as they support tougher immigration policies, some have urged the Department of Homeland Security to protect Cuban nationals with pending cases. Despite this, experts indicate that core support for Trump among Cuban-Americans remains relatively intact, although there are signs of erosion among certain groups. With fluctuating approval ratings, it appears that while some may waver, the backbone of his Cuban-American support endures.
