The U.S. government still has to give permission to would-be immigrants and tourists to come to America legally. And there's a multiyear wait for a visa, which means the average Cuban may not be leaving home any time soon.

 

The State Department says Cuban President Raul Castro's decision to end the much-hated exit visa program doesn't change U.S. visa rules. With entry visa requirements in most Latin American countries, including Mexico, it may be tough to find a place to go.

 

Cubans who sneak into the United States are generally allowed to stay.