The term Palestino is the Spanish word for "Palestinian". The word "Palestino" is used in Cuba as a disparaging nickname for illegal migrants within the country. The nickname is used as a rhetorical device, that compares illegal migrants in Cuba to Palestinian refugees, inferring both are homeless wanderers. The term has also expanded to mean all people from the Oriente province, or people from outside Havana, regardless of migrant status.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Since the conclusion of the Cuban Revolution, there have been regular debates as to whether there should be official controls on migration to Havana. Migration restrictions were often rejected in favor of development plans in greater Cuba, that were believed to reduce the desire for Cubans to relocate to the more developed Havana.[5]
During the economic crisis known as the "Special Period", many Cubans from outside Havana began migrating to Havana in search of tourism jobs which provided American dollars. This rush to Havana resulted in the development of squatters camps in the city.[6] These squatters were officially denied welfare rights because they had no formal home address.[7]
In 1997, a new law went into effect which allowed the government to evict all people without a formal permit to live in the capital. This law led to the displacement of 1600 squatters inside Havana.[8] By 2008, the migration to Havana had mostly calmed, and many migrants returned to their home provinces. However, many migrants constructed squatters' settlements in Havana, and since they are barred from official jobs, work in the black market.[9]
As tourism has played an increasing role in the economy, a large percentage of young people migrate to resort towns seeking employment in the tourism industry.[10] Since jobs in the tourist sector are so lucrative, these areas experience an incredible influx of residents which cannot possibly be supported by the number of opportunities in the legal job market. As such, many of the citizens who flood tourist areas turn to illicit alternatives such as prostitution or unlicensed self-employment (often offer taxi services, currency exchange, host casas particulares, etc.)[11]
Havana police have been alleged to aim their recruitment at Cubans from the Oriente province. This has engendered a sort of prejudice by civilian Havanians against "Palestino" police officers, who are duty bound to police the Havanians.[12]