A Cuban resident in the United States shared on TikTok her experience after making an emergency trip to Havana to visit her sick father. In her testimony, she reported that she had no issues with U.S. immigration authorities upon her return, which contrasts with the complaints made by other Cubans on social media. Her account has sparked dozens of reactions from users who felt identified or shared similar experiences.
The user, identified as @lizdelgado1976, explained that she organized the trip on short notice due to her father's delicate health condition, who has been hospitalized since July in the Cuban capital. “My parents are alone in Havana, with little family support,” she pointed out, adding that both she and her brother wanted to show them that they were not alone and offer them support in person.
The trip was short but filled with emotions. She left for Cuba on a Thursday and returned to the United States the following Monday. Upon her arrival in Miami, she claims that she was neither taken to the "cuartico" nor subjected to interrogation, something that other travelers have reported on TikTok. “I was one of the lucky ones who was not checked or interrogated,” she said. They only asked her when she had traveled to the island.
Delgado explained that he decided to share his story after seeing other videos of Cubans who claimed to have been detained or flagged in the system after returning from Cuba. He clarified that his intention is not to deny those experiences, but to contribute his own story: “Every person has their own story.”
Among the comments, several users expressed gratitude for the honesty of the testimony and shared similar experiences. Many agreed that the treatment at airports can vary depending on the entry method into the country, immigration status, or even the agent who assists. “Not everyone has the same luck,” commented one user.
The Cuban also offered a helpful tip for those returning from Cuba with duty-free products. She recounted that a bottle of rum was confiscated at the Miami airport because she didn't have the receipt. Although she didn't mention it in the main video, she clarified in the comments that the agent was very courteous and asked her to look for the receipt in her bag. “I told him that I hadn’t been given one,” she explained. She even called a staff member who spoke Spanish to suggest that if she was traveling with someone else, that person could carry the bottle in their checked luggage. In the end, her brother — who was on another flight — managed to do it. “He didn’t want me to lose the bottle,” she said.
The video, titled "My Trip to Cuba, My Experience," has made a significant impact among Cubans both on the island and abroad. For many, it represents the reality of those who must return for compelling reasons, despite fear, uncertainty, or their immigration status. "If you go to Cuba, try to go relaxed and positive. And good luck, that's what I wish for you," he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experiences of Cubans Returning to the U.S. from Cuba
What factors can influence the treatment received by Cubans when returning to the U.S. from Cuba?
The treatment that Cubans receive when returning to the U.S. from Cuba can depend on various factors, such as the immigration status of the traveler, the frequency of trips to the island, the immigration officer they encounter, and each traveler's personal circumstances. Some testimonies suggest that those with permanent residency typically experience fewer complications, while those with asylum status may face more questions.
What recommendations are there for Cubans planning to travel to Cuba and return to the U.S.?
It is advisable for Cubans to maintain a low profile and prepare all necessary documentation before traveling to Cuba and returning to the U.S. It is also recommended not to bring items that could cause issues at customs, such as certain duty-free products without a receipt. Additionally, those with asylum status should be aware of potential complications due to their immigration status when returning from Cuba.
Are there legal consequences for returning to Cuba after applying for asylum in the U.S.?
Returning to Cuba after applying for asylum in the U.S. can raise suspicions and questions from immigration authorities, as asylum is generally granted to those fleeing a dangerous situation in their home country. Officials may interpret this return as a contradiction of the asylum application, which could affect the applicant's immigration status.
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