The Take What’s driving Cuba’s largest exodus in decades?
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Dec 19, 2025 Andrés Pertierra, a historian and Ph.D. candidate focusing on Cuba, dives into the reasons behind Cuba's largest emigration wave in decades. He discusses the staggering impacts of food shortages and inflation that have driven many to leave. Pertierra describes who's leaving—including professionals—and why the government seems to permit this exodus as an 'escape valve.' He contrasts the current situation with historical events like the Mariel boatlift and explores how U.S. policies have influenced Cuban politics and migration.
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Scale And Reach Of The Exodus
- Cuba has seen an unprecedented recent exodus of roughly two million people out of 11 million, far larger than past waves like Mariel in 1980.
- Andrés Pertierra says this migration spans all social strata and is reshaping everyday life across the island.
Haunting Emptiness On The Malecón
- Andrés Pertierra describes Havana's Malecón as once-bustling but increasingly empty and 'haunting' during his eight-month stay.
- He recounts classmates and friends vanishing as young people leave, including half a medical class.
Blackouts, Inflation, And Daily Hardship
- Chronic power blackouts, food shortages, and inflation have erased gains from temporary wage increases for state employees.
- Pertierra emphasizes blackouts up to 20 hours daily and the inability to keep food from spoiling as drivers of departure.