A Cuban resident in Louisville, Kentucky, identified on TikTok as Devis (@blued_diamond), shared his experience upon returning to the United States after spending eight days in Cuba, stating that he did not face rigorous interrogations nor was taken to the immigration "cuartico".
In his video, which has generated significant interaction on social media, the young man explained that upon arriving at the airport, the only inquiry from the immigration officer was about his job in the United States.
According to his account, the agent asked him what he did for work in the U.S., to which he replied that he was involved in social media. Then, the officer requested that he name three platforms, and he responded with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The conversation continued when the official asked which of those networks he used the most, and upon responding that it was TikTok, the officer referenced the temporary ban of the app in the country. The Cuban reacted by referring to the fact that the platform had been restored in the country, and after that brief conversation, the officer simply said to him, "Welcome home."
Devis assured that, at least on his flight from Santa Clara, no passenger was taken for secondary screening. "No one was taken to the small room, no one was questioned about their entry, no one was told anything," he stated, dismissing the fears circulating among some Cubans about tough interrogations upon returning from the island. "Now, if you have asylum, they can indeed take you to the small room and ask you, ‘Why are you going to Cuba after having sought political asylum based on fleeing a dictatorship?’," he added. In his case, he clarified that he does not travel under that condition, as he had entered the United States as a Spanish citizen.
His testimony has sparked debate on social media, with some Cubans commenting that they also did not encounter issues when returning from the island, while others claimed they are always interrogated. "I've been in this country for ten years, and I always get taken to the little room and asked the same question," commented one user, while another added that the treatment in immigration depends on immigration status. "In your case, there's no problem; those who crossed the border are another story," he stated. Others, however, confirmed that their experience was equally straightforward. "I came from Cuba with my wife on the 11th, and they didn’t ask me a single question," wrote another follower.
Devis's testimony adds to other recent cases of Cubans who have shared their experiences at U.S. airports after visiting Cuba. In early February, a Cuban woman in Miami reported that her sister, a permanent resident, received advice from an immigration official, who suggested not to travel to Cuba anymore if she wanted to avoid complications with her immigration status. Days later, another Cuban woman stated that, in her case, she encountered no problems and that the process of entering the country was simpler than she had expected.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Return of Cubans to the U.S. from Cuba
How was Devis's experience returning to the U.S. from Cuba?
Devis did not face rigorous questioning nor was he taken to the "cuartico" of immigration upon returning to the U.S. from Cuba. The only question he was asked was about his work in the U.S., to which he responded that he worked in social media.
What factors can influence the treatment received by Cubans at the airport upon returning from Cuba?
The treatment received by Cubans returning from Cuba to the U.S. can vary depending on the immigration status of each person. Those who have political asylum may be questioned about their decision to travel to Cuba, while others with different statuses may experience a smooth entry.
What recommendations are given to Cubans residing in the U.S. who plan to travel to Cuba?
It is advised that Cubans residing in the U.S. stay informed about any changes in immigration policy and consult with experts before planning trips to Cuba, especially if their immigration status is tied to political asylum reasons.
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