After an agreement has been reached by Central American leaders, thousands of Cuban migrants are finally moving into the United States after being stranded in Costa Rica for three months.

The immigration crisis started Nov. 15, 2015 when Nicaragua shut down and refused to let migrants headed to the U.S. pass through its borders. As a result, thousands of Cuban migrants hoping to enter the U.S. were stuck in Costa Rica. Thousands of Cubans were immediately taking advantage of special U.S. immigration privileges previously accorded to them, as the relationship between the two nations is expected to be severed soon.

Costa Rica Complained About Lack of Help From Neighbors

Since November 2015, San Jose has been accommodating the stranded individuals and helping them proceed to the U.S. by providing direct flights to Mexico and indirect travel routes via Guatemala and El Salvador.

From Nov. 15 to Dec. 18, 2015, Costa Rica allowed close to 8,000 temporary visas for the Cuban migrants. The issuance of visas ceased when Costa Rica alleged that its neighbors, El Salvador, Guatemala and Belize, were not helping in the crisis and that Costa Rica had already exhausted its resources in accommodating the migrants. President Solis suspended participation in the group until he observes that their neighbors are also exerting measures to alleviate the current migration crisis. Solis previously warned migrants not to come to their territory or risk deportation.

Agreement Among Central American Leaders Reached

In January 2016, the first batch of the 8,000 stranded Cuban migrants successfully traveled from Mexico to the U.S. Central American leaders agreed to deal with the thousands of Cubans staying in shelters and transport them to El Salvador and then to Mexico. They were allowed entry to Mexico for humanitarian reasons and were reportedly treated well. At present, Cubans are only required to set foot on American soil to enter the country. Nicaragua frowned upon the U.S. policy for triggering massive migration. Several of those who successfully entered the U.S. shared their joy and excitement in overcoming the ordeal.

In February, about 4,100 Cuban migrants are still in Costa Rica as they wait to be transferred to the U.S. Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis stated that he hopes that all Cubans will successfully travel to the U.S. in a few weeks. The International Organization for Migration offered options for Cuban migrants to travel at their own expense. Those who cannot afford the trips will be aided by the Costa Rican government.

Efforts to transfer the remaining Cuban migrants is still ongoing. More updates and details are expected soon.