US officials say the exodus is a lack of confidence in Raul Castro's government

Ray Sanchez
Direct from Havana

In an apparent lack of confidence in the leadership of Raul Castro, the number of Cubans leaving the island illegally by sea has been rising, according to U.S. officials.

The number of people attempting the perilous voyage across of the Florida Straits has risen 21 percent compared to the same period last year. The number intercepted by the Coast Guard increased 65 percent.

Since the beginning of October 2007, some 2,891 Cubans have attempted the journey across the straits. While 1,697 successfully reached the United States, 1,194 were intercepted at sea and returned to Cuba.

Nearly ten times the number intercepted--11,488--arrived at U.S. Southwest Customs and Border Patrol land ports in fiscal 2007. That number is likely to rise this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. So far, some 5,500 Cubans have arrived at border checkpoints.

"The numbers continue to rise – that's the response of the Cuban people," said Michael Parmly, head of the U.S. Interests Section, of the public reaction to the succession of the ailing Fidel Castro by his younger brother Raul. "Why do so many people want to leave the country?"

In an attempt to "fast track" legal migration, U.S. officials have started a family reunification program that will cut delays in processing migrants to six weeks instead of the current 3 to 7 years. Three families with relatives in the U.S. were the first to receive their travel documents under the new program on Thursday.