Immigration from Cuba to the United States has increased significantly over the last couple of decades. Since 1959, 2.9 million Cubans have crossed the border to the United States, both legally and illegally. From 2022 to 2023, over an estimated 1 million Cubans migrated to the United States, making it the largest immigration wave in Cuban history. Most Cubans immigrate to the United States to find better job opportunities and a better life for themselves and their families. However, not all Cubans who decide to immigrate come to the United States; many choose to go to Mexico and Canada to find their relatives or for a better and more stable life.

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     Many reasons contribute to immigration from Cuba to other countries, one being economic hardship. The US-Cuba embargo was established in 1962, which resulted in limited trade and fewer resources, making it hard for citizens to prosper. Another reason many people immigrate from Cuba is the low wages. In 2024, Cuba's GDP per capita is projected to be only $7,599, which is barely enough for citizens to meet their necessities. This can result in issues such as food shortages, poor living conditions, and economic struggles. The one-party communist society that Fidel Castro established during his presidency has ultimately led to the fall of Cuba's economy and its astonishing immigration numbers.

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     The United States, specifically, is attracting many Cubans due to its high wages, abundant job opportunities, and better working conditions. Approximately 45 million immigrants come to the United States from all over the world to find better opportunities and living conditions. Over the past decades, the term "The American Dream" was established, which encouraged many more people to believe that America is truly the ideal place. The US has amazing job opportunities and offers a 10 times higher GDP per capita than Cuba. This encourages Cubans to come to the United States, whether it is legal or not.