A destroyed Russian tank rusts near the Kovalyov brothers' houses, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, near the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 31, 2023. The two houses in what had been no-man's land between Russian and Ukrainian forces are badly damaged by shelling, there is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the Kovalyov brothers - Stepan who is 80 and Volodymyr who is 77 - and their wives have decided to stay in the isolated farming village of Posad-Pokrovske in southern Ukraine to live out their days in the place they know best. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tetiana Kovalyova, 76, who only left her village for a few weeks early in the conflict and was in her house in October when it was hit by what she thinks was a tank shell, carries a bag of firewood for the wood-burning stove, which is used to heat the only room in their house that still has a roof, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 30, 2023. "There was lots of smoke, I couldn't see anything," Tetiana recalled of her house being shelled. "It was raining and parts of the roof were falling in." REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tetiana Kovalyova, 76, lights a candle next to her husband Volodymyr, 77, and her granddaughter Svetlana, 21, inside the last room of their house that still has a roof, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 30, 2023. "There was lots of smoke, I couldn't see anything," Tetiana recalled of her house being shelled. "It was raining and parts of the roof were falling in." REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Tetiana Kovalyova, 76, who only left her village for a few weeks early in the conflict and was in her house in October when it was hit by what she thinks was a tank shell, carries a lighted candle inside the only room of her house that still has a roof, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 30, 2023. "There was lots of smoke, I couldn't see anything," Tetiana recalled of her house being shelled. "It was raining and parts of the roof were falling in." REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Tetiana Kovalyova, 76, who only left her village for a few weeks early in the conflict and was in her house in October when it was hit by what she thinks was a tank shell, washes her hands with snow, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 30, 2023. "There was lots of smoke, I couldn't see anything," Tetiana recalled of her house being shelled. "It was raining and parts of the roof were falling in." REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Stepan Kovalyov, 80, walks with a torch next to his wife Tetyana, 79, near the entrance of the cellar where they live, after their house was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 29, 2023. The couple currently lives inside their cellar, which their late son originally built to use as a food store. "We are 80, we've worked all our lives, in the same garden and now we're waiting for death," Stepan said. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Stepan Kovalyov, 80, puts firewood inside a heater next to his wife Tetyana, 79, who is drinking tea, inside the cellar where they live after their house was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 29, 2023. The couple's late son originally built the cellar to use as a food store. "We are 80, we've worked all our lives, in the same garden and now we're waiting for death," Stepan said. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Stepan Kovalyov, 80, and his brother Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, toast with horilka, a Ukrainian spirit, inside of a cellar where Stepan and his wife live after their house was destroyed during the Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 29, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the brothers have decided to stay in the isolated farming village to live out their days in the place they know best. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, sits next to his brother Stepan, 80, his sister-in-law Tetyana, 79, and Stepan and Tetyana's son Serhii, 56, as they talk inside the cellar that Stepan and his wife live in, following the destruction of their house during the Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 29, 2023. "We are 80, we've worked all our lives, in the same garden and now we're waiting for death," Stepan said. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tetyana Kovalyova, 79, whose house was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, feeds her dog in front of the cellar where she and her husband live, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 29, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A man buys beer from a snack shop on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A street vendor talks to clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A man wears a shirt decorated with the U.S. flag as he walks on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Carriage driver Ulises Bosa, 55, drives his horse-drawn carriage as his employee rides a horse behind him, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. He says migration from the far-flung peninsula on Cuba's north-central coast, just 130 miles south of the Florida Keys, has affected his business. "There are less passengers and less tourists," he says. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, who remained in his village throughout the conflict and was in his house in October when it was hit by what he thinks was a tank shell, lays in a bed in the last room of his house that still has a roof over it, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 28, 2023. Russian troops reached Posad-Pokrovske on Feb. 25 last year, the day after Russia launched the full-scale invasion it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. It was as far as they were able to push north, and the area around the small settlement became a no-go zone between enemy forces. The ground is now littered with ammunition boxes, bullet casings and burned out Russian tanks. Mines lay scattered, two unexploded missiles protrude from the earth nearby, deep, narrow trenches snake through fields and house after house lays in ruins. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A sign warning of dangerous landmines stands in front of the damaged house of Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, his wife Tetiana, 76, and their granddaughter Svetlana, 21, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 28, 2023. Russian troops reached Posad-Pokrovske on Feb. 25 last year, the day after Russia launched the full-scale invasion it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. It was as far as they were able to push north, and the area around the small settlement became a no-go zone between enemy forces. The ground is now littered with ammunition boxes, bullet casings and burned out Russian tanks. Mines lay scattered, two unexploded missiles protrude from the earth nearby, deep, narrow trenches snake through fields and house after house lays in ruins. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

An abandoned Russian checkpoint blocks a road near the Kovalyov brothers' houses, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, near the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 28, 2023. The two houses in what had been no-man's land between Russian and Ukrainian forces are badly damaged by shelling, there is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the Kovalyov brothers - Stepan who is 80 and Volodymyr who is 77 - and their wives have decided to stay in the isolated farming village of Posad-Pokrovske in southern Ukraine to live out their days in the place they know best. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Religious iconography is displayed in a destroyed house, once lived in by an Orthodox priest but abandoned during the months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, nearby the cemetery in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 28, 2023. Russian troops reached Posad-Pokrovske on Feb. 25 last year, the day after Russia launched the full-scale invasion it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. It was as far as they were able to push north, and the area around the small settlement became a no-go zone between enemy forces. The ground is now littered with ammunition boxes, bullet casings and burned out Russian tanks. Mines lay scattered, two unexploded missiles protrude from the earth nearby, deep, narrow trenches snake through fields and house after house lays in ruins. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Mouldy bread, mattresses and clothes litter a warehouse where Russian forces were based during their recent occupation, near the Kovalyov brothers' houses, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, near the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 28, 2023. Russian troops reached Posad-Pokrovske on Feb. 25 last year, the day after Russia launched the full-scale invasion it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. It was as far as they were able to push north, and the area around the small settlement became a no-go zone between enemy forces. The ground is now littered with ammunition boxes, bullet casings and burned out Russian tanks. Mines lay scattered, two unexploded missiles protrude from the earth nearby, deep, narrow trenches snake through fields and house after house lays in ruins. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, looks at a photo of himself and his brother, Stepan Kovalyov, as he lays in bed in the last room of his house that still has a roof over it, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 28, 2023. The photo was taken at a bus station in 1967 after the brothers ended their military service in Simferopol, Crimea. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Trenches line the ground behind the house of Stepan Kovalyov, 80, and his wife Tetyana, 79, which was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 28, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the couple, along with Stepan's brother Volodymyr and his wife who live nearby, has decided to stay in the isolated farming village to live out their days in the place they know best. The couple currently lives inside their cellar, which their late son originally built to use as a food store. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

An unexploded Grad rocket is embedded in a field near the Kovalyov brothers' houses, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 28, 2023. The two houses in what had been no-man's land between Russian and Ukrainian forces are badly damaged by shelling, there is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the Kovalyov brothers - Stepan who is 80 and Volodymyr who is 77 - and their wives have decided to stay in the isolated farming village of Posad-Pokrovske in southern Ukraine to live out their days in the place they know best. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

An assault rifle is painted on the wall of an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Fishermen clean their boats after a night at sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Fishermen collect their nets in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Children riding bicycles pass by an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

A fisherman rests after returning from sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Felix Garcia, 60, who is retired from the military and disabled with epilepsy, and his wife Daisy Morales, 59, stand on the front porch of their home in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Garcia and his wife live off 1,500 pesos a month, approximately 12.50 USD at the official exchange rate. He told Reuters he had not been able to find medicine for his illness in months. He thinks it unlikely he will join the U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "The parole program works if you have someone to sponsor you. But me? I have no one," he said. "I will probably die here." REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Fisherman Hansel Herrera, 27, poses for a photograph in his garage in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A fisherman works in his boat docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A pedicab driver sells vegetables on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Children play on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

People drink in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave." REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Livia Herrera, 26, whose husband recently left for the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A pelican swims beside fishing boats docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Ana Maria Mederos, 59, sells cups of coffee for 10 pesos (8 cents) off her front porch, as her husband Jose Luis Gonzales, 56, repairs his keychain, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a jumping-off point for maritime migrants, tempted by its proximity to U.S. territory and rules that were formerly lenient on Cubans who arrived by water. Now a U.S. "parole" program announced in early January will allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Cubans have made up their minds that you can't live here, and they are going to get out any way they can," she said, adding that she herself had no choice but to stay and care for a sick family member. "Those who can leave under this new program will, but there are many who won't have the possibility (of sponsorship) and will keep taking their chances by sea, over land, whatever." REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Miguel Negrin, 56 (R) sells vegetables from a home-made trailer towed behind his Buick 58 in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a jumping-off point for maritime migrants, tempted by its proximity to U.S. territory and rules that were formerly lenient on Cubans who arrived by water. Now a U.S. "parole" program announced in early January will allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Livia Herrera, 26 (R), whose husband recently left to the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Pedicab driver Renier Gonzales, 37, passes by kids playing baseball on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Vegetable seller Miguel Negrin, 56, drives his Buick 58 as he looks for clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a jumping-off point for maritime migrants, tempted by its proximity to U.S. territory and rules that were formerly lenient on Cubans who arrived by water. Now a U.S. "parole" program announced in early January will allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A mule called Marguerita eats sugar from the hands of a woman on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A view shows the house of Stepan Kovalyov, 80, and his wife Tetyana, 79, which was destroyed during the months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 27, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the couple, along with Stepan's brother Volodymyr and his wife who live nearby, has decided to stay in the isolated farming village to live out their days in the place they know best. The couple currently lives inside their cellar, which their late son originally built for use as a food store. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tetyana Kovalyova, 79, sits on a bed inside a cellar which her late son built as a food store, where she and her husband Stepan, 80, now live after their house was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 27, 2023. When the couple returned to their home shortly after the counter-offensive was complete and the Russians had been routed, they found their livestock gone, four cows, along with dozens of chickens and pigs. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Stepan Kovalyov, 80, and his wife Tetyana, 79, stand inside their house, which was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 27, 2023. The couple currently lives inside their cellar, which their late son originally built to use as a food store. "We are 80, we've worked all our lives, in the same garden and now we're waiting for death," Stepan said. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A family rests on a pier in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI CUBA MIGRATION" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, who remained in his village throughout the conflict and was in his house in October when it was hit by what he thinks was a tank shell, fixes his dog's kennel in front of his damaged house, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. Russian troops reached Posad-Pokrovske on Feb. 25 last year, the day after Russia launched the full-scale invasion it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. It was as far as they were able to push north, and the area around the small settlement became a no-go zone between enemy forces. The ground is now littered with ammunition boxes, bullet casings and burned out Russian tanks. Mines lay scattered, two unexploded missiles protrude from the earth nearby, deep, narrow trenches snake through fields and house after house lays in ruins. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, who remained in his village throughout the conflict and was in his house in October when it was hit by what he thinks was a tank shell, waits for bread at a food delivery point, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. Russian troops reached Posad-Pokrovske on Feb. 25 last year, the day after Russia launched the full-scale invasion it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. It was as far as they were able to push north, and the area around the small settlement became a no-go zone between enemy forces. The ground is now littered with ammunition boxes, bullet casings and burned out Russian tanks. Mines lay scattered, two unexploded missiles protrude from the earth nearby, deep, narrow trenches snake through fields and house after house lays in ruins. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, who remained in his village throughout the conflict and was in his house in October when it was hit by what he thinks was a tank shell, carries a bottle of horilka, a Ukrainian spirit, on his bicycle, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. Russian troops reached Posad-Pokrovske on Feb. 25 last year, the day after Russia launched the full-scale invasion it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. It was as far as they were able to push north, and the area around the small settlement became a no-go zone between enemy forces. The ground is now littered with ammunition boxes, bullet casings and burned out Russian tanks. Mines lay scattered, two unexploded missiles protrude from the earth nearby, deep, narrow trenches snake through fields and house after house lays in ruins. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, who remained in his village throughout the conflict and was in his house in October when it was hit by what he thinks was a tank shell, walks with his bicycle to a food delivery point, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. Russian troops reached Posad-Pokrovske on Feb. 25 last year, the day after Russia launched the full-scale invasion it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. It was as far as they were able to push north, and the area around the small settlement became a no-go zone between enemy forces. The ground is now littered with ammunition boxes, bullet casings and burned out Russian tanks. Mines lay scattered, two unexploded missiles protrude from the earth nearby, deep, narrow trenches snake through fields and house after house lays in ruins. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, his wife Tetiana, 76, and their granddaughter Svetlana, 21, who lives with the couple, stand at the entrance of their damaged house, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the family, along with Volodymyr’s brother Stepan and his wife who live nearby, has decided to stay in the isolated farming village to live out their days in the place they know best. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov's granddaughter Svetlana, 21, walks with the family's cow in the fields near their house, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. Svetlana, who is disabled, helps Volodymyr and Tetiana tend their one cow and rooster. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, his wife Tetiana, 76, and their granddaughter Svetlana, 21, talk in the last room of their house that still has a roof, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Svetlana, who is disabled, helps Volodymyr and Tetiana tend their one cow and rooster. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tetiana Kovalyova, 76, who only left her village for a few weeks early in the conflict and was in her house in October when it was hit by what she thinks was a tank shell, holds a rooster behind her damaged house, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. "There was lots of smoke, I couldn't see anything," Tetiana recalled of her house being shelled. "It was raining and parts of the roof were falling in." REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Tetiana Kovalyova, 76, holds a bicycle belonging to her husband Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, as he puts on his gloves, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. Volodymyr cycles to nearby shops for food, sometimes supplemented by packages handed out by charities. The couples chop wood for their stoves and collect rain water from the roof in a bucket or from the village well if the generator is working. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A cat belonging to Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, and his wife Tetiana, 76, and their granddaughter Svetlana, 21, stands on a bucket of water, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Svetlana, who is disabled, helps Volodymyr and Tetiana tend their one cow and rooster. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tetiana Kovalyova, 76, who only left her village for a few weeks early in the conflict and was in her house in October when it was hit by what she thinks was a tank shell, sits inside of her damaged house, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. "There was lots of smoke, I couldn't see anything," Tetiana recalled of her house being shelled. "It was raining and parts of the roof were falling in." REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Stepan Kovalyov, 80, and his wife Tetyana, 79, look at trenches located at the back of their house, which was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the couple, along with Stepan's brother Volodymyr and his wife who live nearby, has decided to stay in the isolated farming village to live out their days in the place they know best. The couple currently lives inside their cellar, which their late son originally built to use as a food store. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Volodymyr Kovalyov, 77, pours himself a glass of horilka, a Ukrainian spirit, in the last room of his house that still has a roof, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 26, 2023. Volodymyr and his wife were in their house in October when it was hit by what they think was a tank shell. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the couple, along with Volodymyr's brother Stepan and his wife who live nearby, has decided to stay in the isolated farming village to live out their days in the place they know best. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tetyana Kovalyova, 79, whose house was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, opens the door of the basement where she and her husband Stepan, 80, now live, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 25, 2023. There is no central power or heating and the surrounding fields are heavily mined, making them unworkable. Yet the couple, along with Stepan's brother Volodymyr and his wife who live nearby, has decided to stay in the isolated farming village to live out their days in the place they know best. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tetyana Kovalyova, 79, cries inside of her house, which was destroyed during months of Russian occupation, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in the village of Posad-Pokrovske, northwest of the city of Kherson, Ukraine January 25, 2023. Tetyana and her husband Stepan, 80, currently live inside their cellar, which their late son originally built to use as a food store. REUTERS/Nacho Doce SEARCH "DOCE UKRAINE VILLAGE" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.