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.
Current issues 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. 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.)
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.
See also Favela Propiska in the Soviet Union Hukou system
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