BORDERLINES

The Weight of "Why": Beyond the headlines of policy and borders, migration begins in the material conditions of everyday life.

 

Cuba is undergoing one of the most significant migration waves in its modern history, driven by prolonged economic contraction, rising inflation, and widespread infrastructure challenges. In recent years, the country’s economy has struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels, while shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and electricity have become part of daily life. These conditions have contributed to a steady decline in purchasing power and an increase in outward migration.

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For many Cubans, leaving is not primarily motivated by opportunity, but by necessity. State wages, often equivalent to less than $10 USD per month on the informal market, are insufficient to meet basic needs. At the same time, recurring blackouts linked to fuel shortages and aging energy systems disrupt homes, hospitals, and transportation. These overlapping pressures hape a reality in which stability is increasingly difficult to maintain. The strain on public systems has intensified these conditions. Reports from international organizations have documented shortages in medical supplies and limited access to essential services, forcing individuals to rely on informal networks and self-provision. As the formal economy contracts, informal markets have expanded, becoming a critical (yet unstable) source of goods and income.

 

Within this context, migration emerges as a structural response to sustained instability. Since 2021, hundreds of thousands of Cubans have left the island, contributing to rapid population decline and a shifting demographic landscape. The decision to leave reflects not a single moment, but the cumulative impact of economic, institutional, and infrastructural pressures that continue to redefine daily life.

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Camagüey, Cuba 2026