Cuban influencer Yunisleidy Villa recently shared on her TikTok account @yunisleidy1008 the heartbreaking testimony of a Cuban mother living in the United States who is facing a difficult situation with her child's father, who—according to the accuser—is emotionally blackmailing her to obtain immigration benefits.
"I left my son in Cuba under my mother's care, and now his father is blackmailing me, saying that if I don't get him out of Cuba, he won't give me the signature for the child to come," the woman begins recounting in a message sent to Yunisleidy, who has an active community of followers on social media, many of whom are Cuban migrants.
According to her account, she decided to leave her son on the island under the care of his grandmother when the opportunity to emigrate through the so-called "voyage" arose. She claims that she never intended to put the child's life at risk on such a dangerous journey and that the agreement with the father was to leave him in Cuba until she could settle down and legally claim him.
"Since I arrived, I've done nothing but work and send everything necessary to Cuba," she asserted. The plan, as she recounts, was to obtain residency, process the claim, and finally reunite with her son. However, when she informed her mother that she had already started the immigration process, she received unexpected news.
She said to me, "Daughter, what I'm about to tell you isn't going to be good news. I had a big fight with the child's father and I told him a lot of things. He said he doesn't plan to give you the signature for you to take the child. Please, you call him and talk to him."
According to the complaint, the man even went to the grandmother's house and told the child not to get excited, as his mother was not going to take him.
The mother accuses the father of her child of manipulating the situation to force her to take him out of the country as well. “He told me that if I don’t take him out of Cuba, he won’t give me the signature to take my child with me,” she revealed indignantly.
This case reflects a common reality among many Cuban migrant mothers who must make painful decisions when leaving the island in search of a better future for their children. Bureaucratic obstacles, parental consent restrictions, and, in many cases, family conflicts further complicate the already challenging processes of reunification.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration and Its Family Challenges
Why do some Cuban mothers leave their children in Cuba when they emigrate?
Many Cuban mothers choose to leave their children in Cuba when they emigrate due to the risks and difficulties of the migratory journey. They prefer to settle in the new country first and then pursue legal and safe family reunification, aiming to provide a better future for their children.
What challenges do Cuban mothers face when trying to reunite with their children in the United States?
Cuban mothers face bureaucratic obstacles and the control of parental signatures when trying to reunite with their children. In many cases, the other parent may refuse to sign the necessary documents for reunification, which further complicates the immigration process.
How does separation affect migrant Cuban families?
Separation generates significant emotional consequences for both mothers and their children. Children may feel abandoned, while mothers experience feelings of guilt even though their primary motivation is family well-being. Family gatherings often become emotionally charged moments due to the accumulated distance.
What challenges do newly arrived Cubans in the United States face?
Recent Cuban immigrants to the United States face significant economic challenges, such as high living costs, the need to find employment, and the adjustment process to a new cultural and social environment. These factors can create family tensions if expectations are not met quickly.
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