"Many of 'homeland or death' have managed to arrive": Descemer Bueno criticizes the U.S. for not granting parole to his mother

Descemer questions why, after two years of applying for parole, the U.S. denies it to his mother with Alzheimer’s. "Some of us from Patria y Vida have had to settle for being forgotten. We have been turned away."


The Cuban singer-songwriter Descemer Bueno criticized the U.S. government for not granting humanitarian parole to his mother, Mercedes Martínez, who suffers from Alzheimer's.

The musician shared a video with her recorded in the Dominican Republic, the only country where they have been able to meet, as he is unable to travel to Cuba.

"Here I am, grateful for everything you did for me and the same to God, for allowing me to share this moment beyond all the needs, deficiencies, neglect, and abandonment that compel us to make great sacrifices of all kinds, living outside our island," he lamented.

Descemer questioned that after two years of having applied for parole, he has seen how many former regime defenders have taken advantage of that route to leave the country.

"Many, even those with 'homeland or death,' have managed to reach the United States, while some of us who believe in 'Homeland and Life' have had to settle for being forgotten. Thank God the Dominican Republic stood by us Cubans, while the First World has turned its back on us," he wrote.

In October, Descemer was able to enjoy a few days in the Dominican Republic with his mother and part of his family, who traveled from Cuba to reunite with him.

"Four years and eight months passed during which, due to security issues, I was unable to see my mother in my homeland, and for the same reasons, I felt compelled to bring her to this beautiful island full of extremely kind people," he then commented.

In the video recorded by his partner Darlenis Pérez, the composer was seen taking the elderly woman in a wheelchair.

In a previous video, the artist shared the moment when he emotionally kissed Mercedes after many years without seeing her, as his political stance against the dictatorship prevented him from traveling to Cuba.

Frequently asked questions about Descemer Bueno and his criticism of humanitarian parole

Why does Descemer Bueno criticize the U.S. government?

Descemer Bueno criticizes the U.S. government for not granting humanitarian parole to his mother, Mercedes Martínez, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The artist feels abandoned by the system as he observes how others, including defenders of the Cuban regime, have managed to obtain parole.

What is the situation of Descemer Bueno's mother?

The mother of Descemer Bueno, Mercedes Martínez, suffers from Alzheimer's and has not been able to permanently reunite with her son in the United States due to the denial of humanitarian parole. Currently, they have only been able to meet in the Dominican Republic.

How does Cuban politics affect Descemer Bueno and his family?

The political stance of Descemer Bueno against the Cuban regime has had profound personal consequences, as it prevents him from traveling to Cuba to see his mother. This situation has exacerbated the distance and family suffering, especially given his mother's health condition.

What role does the Dominican Republic play in Descemer Bueno's reunion with his mother?

República Dominicana has been the only place where Descemer Bueno has been able to meet with his mother due to travel restrictions to Cuba. The Caribbean country has allowed mother and son to see each other after many long years of separation, providing them with a neutral space for their reunion.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.