Mexico receives first group of Cuban migrants from Costa Rica

Mexico received on Wednesday the first group of 180 Cuban migrants, out of around 8,000 who have been stuck for two months in Costa Rica after seeking to get to the United States.

It was part of the pilot program, after an agreement was signed between Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Panama, to fly them over Nicaragua, which had shut its borders in November.

The group arrived by bus to Ciudad Hidalgo in Chiapas from Guatemala where they were met by agents from the National Migration Institute (INM).

As previously agreed, each of the 180 Cubans was extended a 20-day pass, allowing them to cross Mexico and reach the American border. Furthermore, they have each been given a special bracelet, allowing them to use public transport to reach the border without delay.

In an earlier press release, the INM explained that Article 42 of Mexico's Migration Law authorizes it to allow the entry of foreigners for humanitarian reasons.

After Nicaragua closed its borders in November due to the influx of Cuban migrants, around 8,000 people were blocked on the Costa Rican frontier.

On Dec. 28, regional countries held an emergency meeting in Guatemala to thrash out a solution to the crisis. The countries decided to begin flying refugees over Nicaragua to Guatemala where they could then be driven to the Mexican border.

The transportation cost is covered by the Cuban migrants benefiting from it.

Warming relations between Washington and Havana have led to a massive rise in Cubans trying to reach the United States for fear that the unique welcome it provides Cuban migrants will be short-lived.

Under U.S. Cuban Adjustment Act, any Cuban setting foot on U.S. soil automatically qualifies for asylum and can apply for residency within a year. Enditem