There are dreams that feel so real that one wakes up with their heart in their throat. This happened to a young Cuban woman who, in a recent dream, embraced her mother in Cuba after years of being apart. But when she opened her eyes, everything vanished. Reality struck her: she is far from her loved ones and trapped in the uncertainty of being I220-A in the United States.
With the excitement of her story shared by so many others and a message of hope, @laflaki1304, known on TikTok as La Cubanita Soñadora, addressed those who find themselves in the same situation: "Only we know and understand everything we have been through." In her video, which has already garnered over 1,500 likes and 190 comments, she described that peculiar dream where she not only embraced her mother but also brought gifts for her entire family. Although they were not made of gold, but rather surgical steel, everyone was happy, she joked with laughter and emotion.
The creator, who crossed several countries alone to reach the U.S., stated that she is not willing to return to Cuba, though the pain of distance weighs heavily on her. “Of course I miss them because I am a daughter, I am a good sister, I am a good granddaughter… If you don’t miss your family, it’s because you have no feelings," she expressed firmly, making it clear that her sacrifice is for her loved ones and that she maintains hope for a better future: "Something good is going to happen in January."
The story resonated with many. Hundreds of users sharing the same immigration status commented on how they also dream of returning to Cuba, even if only in their dreams. "I dreamed that I was hugging my grandmother who passed away 5 months ago"; "Literally, imagine my kids are in Cuba"; "I've gone 8 years without seeing my family," several users recounted. Others, however, cautioned about the sensitivity of such statements: "That's why they don't want to give us papers, because we talk about going back to Cuba," one person remarked, while another added, "I prefer documentation over living in a dictatorship. Blessings."
Amid the pain of separation and faith in better times, @laflaki1304 concluded her video with a phrase that leaves a door open to hope: "Let’s not lose hope. Something good will happen in January."
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Separation and the I220-A Status of Cubans in the U.S.
What is the immigration status I220-A and how does it affect Cubans in the United States?
The I220-A is a parole document that allows migrants to remain in the United States while their immigration status is being resolved. For many Cubans, it represents a legal limbo, as it does not permit them to obtain permanent residency or return to Cuba without risks, complicating their situation and that of their families.
How does family separation emotionally impact Cubans in the U.S.?
Family separation has a profound emotional impact on Cuban migrants, who often experience nostalgia, sadness, and anxiety. Holidays and significant family moments intensify these feelings by reminding them of the absence of their loved ones.
Why do some Cubans have nightmares about being trapped in Cuba?
The fear of being trapped in Cuba is a common nightmare among Cubans who do not yet have legal residency in the United States. This anxiety reflects the uncertainty and stress they experience regarding their immigration status, as returning to Cuba could mean they would be unable to come back to the United States due to legal restrictions.
What challenges do Cubans with I220-A status face in the United States?
Cubans with I220-A face multiple challenges, such as legal uncertainty, a lack of access to permanent residency, and a constant fear of deportation. Additionally, they must adapt to the economic and cultural differences in the United States, which can be a complex and stressful process.
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