Fox reported-
“Unlike other immigrants, Cubans simply enter a U.S. port of entry and declare their nationality. Under the 1966 law, they are given medical care, food stamps and register for eight months of cash payments, along with an I-94 immigration form confirming their legal status. At 12 months, they are allowed to apply for permanent residency, a privilege no other illegal immigrants enjoy.”
Under the 'wet foot-dry foot rule' the Cubans most likely are not illegal.