There are 2.93 million people of Cuban origin living in the United States, of which 1.67 million were born in Cuba, according to an analysis by Pew Research Center, based on data from the 2024 Census. The Cuban community is one of the largest Hispanic populations in the country and has an especially strong presence in Florida.

The immigration situation of part of that community once again came under attention after the closure of the parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans, known as CHNV. That program allowed the temporary entry of hundreds of thousands of people, but did not grant permanent residency or guarantee an automatic path to citizenship.

The most recent figure available on Cubans without full legal status comes from the Pew Research Center: in 2023, there were about 475,000 Cuban-born immigrants in that situation. There is no official daily figure, and the current number may have changed due to adjustments of status, asylum applications, departures from the country, pending processes or termination of temporary permits.

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What happened to the CHNV parole

The Department of Homeland Security reported in 2025 that it began sending notices of termination of CHNV parole and associated work permits. The measure affected beneficiaries from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who had entered under that temporary program.

DHS also indicated that it was seeking to end parole for more than 530,000 people in those four countries. The figure was not disaggregated by nationality in that communication, so it does not allow us to know how many were Cubans.

For those who entered under parole, the key point is that this permit is not equivalent to permanent residence. If the person has no other legal basis to stay in the United States, they may be left in a vulnerable immigration situation.

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What options can Cubans review?

Cubans have a specific path that does not apply in the same way to other migratory groups: the Cuban Adjustment Law. This rule allows certain Cuban citizens to apply for permanent residence if they meet certain requirements, including physical presence in the United States and immigration admissibility.

Still, not everyone automatically qualifies. The possibility of adjusting status depends on factors such as the form of entry, immigration history, pending processes, dates, notifications received and individual situation.

There may also be other avenues, such as asylum, family petitions or other immigration processes. The safest recommendation for those who have expired parole, terminated work permit, or questions about their status is to consult with an immigration attorney or an accredited legal organization.

Why is the topic back on the agenda?

The debate about Cubans in the United States occurs at a time of increased political pressure towards Cuba. The Department of Justice announced an indictment against Raúl Castro and other officials for the downing of two Hermanos al Rescate planes in 1996, a case of strong impact for the Cuban exile in Florida.

This case does not by itself change the immigration status of Cubans in the United States. However, it once again puts Cuba and the Cuban-American community at the center of the political and immigration agenda.

What beneficiaries should review

Those who arrived with CHNV parole should verify three basic pieces of information: the date of entry into the United States, the current status of their permit, and whether they received any official notification regarding the termination of their parole or work permit.

It is also important to check if there is a pending application for asylum, residency, adjustment under the Cuban Adjustment Act, family petition or process before an immigration court. In these cases, the deadlines and documents can be decisive.