A Cuban resident in the United States, identified on TikTok as @yai_lent, sparked a heated debate on social media after responding to a comment questioning her about traveling to Cuba after emigrating for political reasons.
User Jorge Porras criticized her in a comment by asking, "Why do you explain that you flee from a dictatorship while adhering here to the laws and immigration protections stemming from that dictatorship and then return there? It is outrageous and shameful."
In response to this, "yai_lent" firmly stated that what is truly outrageous is that a Cuban would speak about others in such a way. "The only part of your comment that you got right is that we have come out of a dictatorship. Sadly, we had to emigrate, but many of us Cubans have reasons to keep going back to Cuba," they said. They explained that those who left behind a child, a mother, or a sick grandmother have more than enough reasons to return, even if some don’t understand it. "You won’t understand this because you have nothing here or here," they added, pointing to their temple and heart.
The young woman closed her message with irony and a defiant tone: "Blessings, and may karma serve you that steak sandwich you hate so much."
The words of "yai_lent" sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok, with opinions divided. Many users supported her stance, emphasizing that family is a sufficient reason to return to Cuba without it being a contradiction. "This young woman speaks a lot of truth. I am Cuban, and I completely agree with you," commented one user, while another stated, "The mistake many people make is believing that one left Cuba fleeing. There are people who live well in Cuba, even better than here. One goes back for family."
However, others questioned the logic of his argument, pointing out that many Cubans obtain residency in the U.S. thanks to the Cuban Adjustment Act, which has historically been linked to political persecution. "The Adjustment Act is a derivative of political asylum," commented one user, to which "yai_lent" responded by asking whether they also believed it was outrageous for Cubans to visit their country of origin.
Some were more direct in their criticism. "Are you willing to sacrifice your social status for those reasons, knowing that if you entered on political asylum, you're doing so in violation of the law?" wrote a user. "I actually didn't enter on political asylum; he made that up," she clarified.
While some accused her of hypocrisy, others felt the criticism was unfair. "Those who express themselves like that have empty hearts. Many blessings to you and success," commented one of her followers. Another advised her not to pay attention to those who comment on matters that do not concern them: "People are always spreading poison and getting involved in what isn’t their business… Go to Cuba as often as you want and can. To whom God gives, Saint Peter blesses."
Days before this controversy, "yai_lent" shared an emotional video in which she is seen alongside her 95-year-old grandmother in Cuba. With tears in her eyes, she recounted that she decided to travel to the island to give her "last kiss," as her grandmother was in a delicate state of health and had been eagerly waiting to see her. "She's already 95 years old and was desperate to see me, but by the time I could go, she was already in such poor health," she wrote in the video.
She also shared upon her return her experience at the airport, stating that the entry process was easier than she had expected. "I actually came scared because there's a lot of misinformation about this topic regarding Cuba and all of this," she commented. She explained that her immigration status is not linked to political asylum; rather, she obtained her residency under the CU6 category through the Cuban Adjustment Act. "With my residency, I didn’t have to seek asylum. I entered at the border, but they gave me a 60-day parole, and then I applied for the Cuban Adjustment Act after a year and a day," she detailed. She also clarified that upon arriving in Miami, she faced no interrogations or complications: "They asked for my passport and sent me to a small room, and really, they didn’t ask me any questions there. An officer called me through a door and told me to come out."
The topic of travel for Cuban residents in the U.S. to the island continues to generate divided opinions. While some insist that those who emigrated citing political persecution should not return, others argue that family ties are more important than any political or legal argument.
The words of "yai_lent" continue to spark debate, highlighting the complexity of the situation for many Cubans in exile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration and Travel to Cuba from the United States
Why do some Cubans who emigrate to the U.S. return to Cuba?
Many Cubans return to Cuba for family reasons. Despite having emigrated for political or economic reasons, family ties, such as visiting a sick father, mother, or grandparents, are strong motivators to return to the island. Family is a priority that transcends the political reasons that led to their emigration.
Is it contradictory for Cubans who emigrate to the United States to return to Cuba?
It is not necessarily contradictory. Although many Cubans emigrate due to the oppression of the Cuban regime, returning to the country does not imply support for the system. Most of the time, the main reason is to maintain family ties and address personal needs, which does not mean they support the regime that forced them to leave.
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act and how does it affect Cuban emigrants?
The Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cubans to obtain residence in the U.S. one year and one day after their arrival. This law facilitates the residency process for Cubans, distinguishing them from other immigrants. This is due to the political and economic situation in Cuba, which has forced many to emigrate. However, some critics argue that returning to Cuba after obtaining this benefit may seem contradictory.
What is the process of returning to the U.S. for Cubans visiting Cuba?
The process of returning to the U.S. can vary depending on the individual's immigration status. In the case of "yai_lent", their return was straightforward, as their immigration status was not linked to political asylum. While some face interrogations, each experience is different, and misinformation can create unfounded fears about this process.
How does social criticism affect Cubans who decide to return to the island?
Social criticism can be intense and polarizing. Those who return to Cuba often face criticism for alleged hypocrisy, as it is perceived that they return to the same place they fled from. However, many defend their right to visit the island for family reasons, arguing that these connections are more important than external criticisms.
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