With the confidence that comes only from years of experience and a humble attitude, this 77-year-old Cuban has just fulfilled a dream that seemed unattainable for many in his generation: obtaining a tourist visa and traveling to the United States to be with his family. Sitting in a car while being filmed by his niece, the man spoke clearly and calmly about how his interview at the embassy went: a pivotal moment that ended with the coveted “approved.”
"The first question they asked me was who was requesting me in the United States, and I told them it was a niece. Then they asked how long she had been there, and I answered that it had been 10 years," said the man in a video shared on TikTok, who recently arrived at the Florida airport with a tourist visa after passing through Guyana. As he continues his story, it becomes clear that the questions were straightforward: "What do you do for a living in Cuba? I work in agriculture; what is your interest in traveling? Well, to see how my niece lives."
The man continued to explain that he had never traveled outside of Cuba before, and he answered each question without going into too much detail: “That day, many older individuals like me passed,” he added with humility, hinting that his age was also an advantage for him.
This video was shared by his niece, user @lety_palmbeach, who has turned her uncle into a social media star thanks to his charisma, simplicity, and authenticity. Her posts depict the interview process, the journey, and her uncle's first days in the United States, where he has continued to be amazed by every detail, from a simple car wash to the snow he still hopes to experience.
The reactions to the video have been immediate, with followers continually praising the man for his intelligence and calmness during the interview. Some users commented: “He’s like a child with a new toy, it’s wonderful to see him enjoy it”; “He reminds me of my grandfather, what a blessing he can experience this now”; “Even though he’s a country man, he expresses himself so well, it’s admirable.”
The story of this Cuban man has not only moved thousands of people but has also sparked interest among those who dream of bringing their own family members over. Many followers of @lety_palmbeach have flooded the comments with questions about the process: “Was the interview in Guyana or Havana?”; “Is it necessary to own property in Cuba for the visa to be approved?”
Since his arrival, this man has become an example of how it's never too late to fulfill dreams. His niece, filled with emotion, expressed gratitude for all the support the story has received on social media: "You are part of this immense joy we feel today as a family."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourist Visa Application Process for Cubans
What are the most common questions in a tourist visa interview for the U.S.?
The most common questions include who is requesting the traveler in the United States, how long that person has been in the country, the applicant's occupation in Cuba, and the interest in traveling. These questions aim to assess the purpose of the trip and the applicant's ties to their home country.
Is it necessary to have properties in Cuba to get a tourist visa to the U.S.?
It is not a requirement to own property in Cuba to obtain a tourist visa to the U.S., although having strong ties to the country of origin can help demonstrate rootedness and reduce the risk of the applicant overstaying their visa in the U.S.
Is the tourist visa interview conducted in Cuba or in another country?
Due to the political and diplomatic situation, many Cubans must travel to a third country, such as Guyana, to attend the consular interview in order to obtain a tourist visa for the United States.
Why do stories of Cubans obtaining tourist visas go viral?
These stories often go viral due to the emotional weight and symbolism they hold for many Cubans who dream of reuniting with their family members abroad. The authenticity and unique experiences of the protagonists also resonate with a wide audience on social media.
Filed under:
