A pedicab driver sells vegetables on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Carriage driver Ulises Bosa, 55, drives his horse-drawn carriage as his employee rides a horse behind him, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. He says migration from the far-flung peninsula on Cuba's north-central coast, just 130 miles south of the Florida Keys, has affected his business. "There are less passengers and less tourists," he says. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Livia Herrera, 26, whose husband recently left for the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fishermen clean their boats after a night at sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Ana Maria Mederos, 59, sells cups of coffee for 10 pesos (8 cents) off her front porch, as her husband Jose Luis Gonzales, 56, repairs his keychain, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a jumping-off point for maritime migrants, tempted by its proximity to U.S. territory and rules that were formerly lenient on Cubans who arrived by water. Now a U.S. "parole" program announced in early January will allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Cubans have made up their minds that you can't live here, and they are going to get out any way they can," she said, adding that she herself had no choice but to stay and care for a sick family member. "Those who can leave under this new program will, but there are many who won't have the possibility (of sponsorship) and will keep taking their chances by sea, over land, whatever." REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Children riding bicycles pass by an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A man buys beer from a snack shop on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

An assault rifle is painted on the wall of an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Children play on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Vegetable seller Miguel Negrin, 56, drives his Buick 58 as he looks for clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a jumping-off point for maritime migrants, tempted by its proximity to U.S. territory and rules that were formerly lenient on Cubans who arrived by water. Now a U.S. "parole" program announced in early January will allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

People drink in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave." REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Livia Herrera, 26 (R), whose husband recently left to the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A man wears a shirt decorated with the U.S. flag as he walks on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Pedicab driver Renier Gonzales, 37, passes by kids playing baseball on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A mule called Marguerita eats sugar from the hands of a woman on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A fisherman rests after returning from sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Miguel Negrin, 56 (R) sells vegetables from a home-made trailer towed behind his Buick 58 in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a jumping-off point for maritime migrants, tempted by its proximity to U.S. territory and rules that were formerly lenient on Cubans who arrived by water. Now a U.S. "parole" program announced in early January will allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A pelican swims beside fishing boats docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Felix Garcia, 60, who is retired from the military and disabled with epilepsy, and his wife Daisy Morales, 59, stand on the front porch of their home in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Garcia and his wife live off 1,500 pesos a month, approximately 12.50 USD at the official exchange rate. He told Reuters he had not been able to find medicine for his illness in months. He thinks it unlikely he will join the U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "The parole program works if you have someone to sponsor you. But me? I have no one," he said. "I will probably die here." REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A fisherman works in his boat docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.