This resulted in "The Migration Accords." One of the clauses of the Accords was the Lottery. This was done with the full compliance of the Cuban government. Once a Cuban's name was selected, the Cuban government issued an exit visa for the lucky soul.
At the time, my wife, daughter and I were living in house right on the water in the suburb of Miramar. Usually there was a heavy police presence because of the many foreigners living there. During the Crisis, we saw hide nor hair of the cops or the soldiers. The would-be immigrants came marching up 30th Street, with their families and friends, carrying their craft. We mingled with the Cubans on the beach, advising them that if they were caught at sea, they'd be repatriated. Most of them scoffed and said, "yeah, right. We'll be in Miami in six weeks." Turns out they were right.
Anyway, yardstick, that's the story of The Lottery. AX