The United States government has closed one of the emigration routes for Cubans, in the midst of the massive immigration crisis that the island is going through.
This change affects the Visa Lottery, known as “Bombo”, a program that has been a safe gateway for thousands of Cubans seeking to reach US territory legally.
In the most recent drawing of the Visa Lottery, 2,348 Cubans obtained a visa to emigrate to the United States. However, the State Department has announced that in the next draw, corresponding to fiscal year 2026, Cubans will not be able to participate.
This change is due to the fact that in the last five years more than 50,000 Cuban citizens emigrated to the United States. A figure that automatically excludes countries with high levels of immigration, according to the program’s rules.
Other countries are also left out
In addition to Cuba, other countries with high migration rates were also left out of the draw. The list includes nations such as the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico, Venezuela, India, Brazil and China, among others. This policy seeks to balance opportunities for citizens of countries with less representation in immigration to the United States.
The Visa Lottery program was designed to diversify the immigrant population in the United States, offering 55,000 visas annually to people from countries with low immigration rates. However, with the new announcement, many Cubans who saw this lottery as one of the few legal options to emigrate now see this door closed.
Alternatives for Cubans
Although the Visa Lottery is out of reach for Cubans on this occasion, other immigration programs such as humanitarian parole are still in force. This program, launched by the Biden administration, has allowed nearly 530,000 Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans and Haitians to reach the United States legally since its implementation.
The closure of this immigration option represents a new challenge for thousands of Cubans who, in the face of the economic and social crisis on the island, see emigration as a way out to improve their living conditions. With fewer legal alternatives, more people are likely to turn to dangerous avenues. Among them, sea or land crossings, in search of a new life.
Rules and operation of the Visa Lottery
The Visa Lottery is organized annually and registration is free. The selection process is completely random and is carried out through a computer lottery. Each year, visas are distributed among six geographic regions, ensuring that no country receives more than seven percent of available visas.
To participate, applicants must complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501) and wait to be selected. If they are chosen, they must meet a series of requirements before appearing for a consular interview.
This closing of doors to Cubans in the Visa Lottery marks a significant change in United States immigration policies. It will have a strong impact on the Cuban community that is looking for a new future outside the island.
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