Balseros

Balseros ("rafters", from the Spanish balsa "raft") were boat people who emigrated without formal documentation in self constructed or precarious vessels from Cuba to neighboring states including The Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and, most commonly, the United States since the 1994 Balsero crisis and during the wet feet, dry feet policy.

Shortly before the policy ended, the U.S. Coast Guard noticed a spike in balseros attempting to reach the United States.

If they manage to arrive in Florida the only legal way to remain is to apply for political asylum.

Of people who choose to emigrate this way, some are captured by Cuban authorities, others arrive safely outside Cuba, some are intercepted by United States authorities and given medical care, then returned to Cuba, while others may be lost at sea and their deaths unknown and unreported.

[5] Any failed attempt to cross the sea by raft can end in drowning.