The Cuban Migration Journey to Uruguay: Stories of Hope and Resilience

In recent years, Uruguay has emerged as an unexpected but welcoming destination for thousands of Cuban migrants seeking a better life. This article explores the harrowing journeys of families like Liudmila Medina’s, who traveled over 7,000 kilometers to find refuge in Uruguay amidst the backdrop of a deepening crisis in Cuba.

Crossing Borders: A Family’s Story

For Liudmila Medina, crossing the jungle of Guyana marked the most challenging part of her journey from Cuba to Uruguay, which she undertook with her husband, a son with disabilities, and two young children—one still in the womb. The family’s initial plan was to reach the United States through Nicaragua, fueled by aspirations of the renowned “American Dream.” However, plans changed when they were barred from boarding their flight due to an expired passport, losing both the tickets and their dream.

In an interview, Medina recalls her husband’s despair: “What do we do now?” To which she boldly replied, “We’re going to Uruguay.” With her determination, she managed to expedite a new passport through various contacts and by paying nearly $13,000—savings from the sale of her mother’s house—to a group of “coyotes” who would assist them in reaching South America in April 2024.

Upon landing in Guyana, they embarked on a 17-hour journey in a cramped minibus alongside other Cuban migrants. “We were all squished together,” Medina described, reflecting on the journey that tested their strength. Her son, Tristan, who has central nervous system issues due to medical malpractice in Cuba, was just twelve at the time. “With his lack of head control, he would often fall into my lap, and my two-year-old, Gael, would do the same. My husband carried our one-year-old, Galilea.”

From Brazil to Uruguay

They entered Brazil through the northern state of Roraima, traversing the vast country north to south. Jobs were abandoned, and just a week after leaving Cuba, they approached the border of Santana do Livramento-Rivera, ready to ask for asylum. “They said, ‘Welcome to Uruguay,’” Medina recollected, a phrase that marked a hopeful new beginning.

Why Choose Uruguay?

As the humanitarian crisis in Cuba escalated leading to an unprecedented exodus, Uruguay became an unexpected refuge for countless migrants like Medina’s family. In 2025 alone, there were 14,961 more arrivals from Cuba than departures, according to the National Immigration Directorate. Between January and July of that year, there was a positive influx of 8,123 Cuban migrants.

The surge in asylum requests accelerated significantly from 2019 onward, averaging around 1,300 applications monthly in early 2026. The Refugee Commission reported that by the end of June, 30,715 applications were pending, a staggering 89% coming from Cuban nationals.

Valeria Csukasi, Uruguay’s Deputy Foreign Minister and the head of the Refugee Commission, explained that the backlog in asylum requests illustrates the structural mismatch between the volume of applications and the capacity of the immigration system to process them effectively.

A Welcoming Nation

With a population of just 3.4 million, Uruguay stands out for its growing acceptance of Cuban immigrants relative to its population size, especially following a year when Brazil, with its much larger population, recorded nearly 3,500 asylum requests per month from Cubans. Despite the higher cost of living, many still choose Uruguay for its stability and long-standing tradition of accepting immigrants.

Liudmila Medina reflects on this inviting atmosphere: “Uruguay is an oasis in the desert for so many Cubans going through tough times,” an assertion echoed by Madelyn del Río, president of a Cuban NGO that supports new arrivals. About 60,000 Cubans currently call Uruguay home, a substantial increase from 11,826 recorded in the last census.

The Role of Community

In the initial months, life was not easy for Medina. She had to borrow money, acclimate to a new economy, and navigate a hospital system to give birth to her son, Kai. Yet, with the support of public services and societal acceptance, she finds herself building a life enriched with new dreams: “When we arrived in Uruguay, we felt welcome.”

While many Cuban migrants have reported positive encounters, stories of racism and xenophobia also haunt their narratives. Carmen Díaz, who migrated seven years ago, noted these challenges but emphasized her growth: “I built my life here, achieving my dreams in freedom.”

A Journey Continues

As Cuba experiences its own turmoil, those who made it to Uruguay like Medina continue to seek better opportunities. Despite hardships, the stories of perseverance and community integration shine through, depicting a richer tapestry of human migration.

Conclusion

The experiences of Cuban migrants in Uruguay showcase both the trials of their journey and the warm embrace of a new life. They continue to contribute to and shape the cultural landscape of their new home, illustrating resilience in the face of adversity.

• Many Cubans are increasingly choosing Uruguay for refuge due to its welcoming policies and social services.
• The journey often involves crossing multiple countries, highlighting the complexities of migration.
• Stories of resilience and community support are prevalent among migrants adapting to their new lives.
• Challenges remain, but the hope for a better future drives many to persevere.