A Cuban has touched thousands on social media after sharing his extraordinary migration story, marked by a failed asylum attempt in the Netherlands and an emotional return, years later, as a tourist and with a United States passport.
"And to think that seven years ago I was imprisoned here in Holland", begins @el_pepe9o, as this Cuban identifies himself on TikTok, in his video, where he honestly recounts, with nostalgia and touches of humor, the odyssey he experienced with his wife in 2017 when they decided to leave Cuba, driven by a rumor: that political asylum was being granted in Holland.
The couple flew from Havana to Moscow, but they never reached their initial destination. Their plan was to stop in Amsterdam to seek international protection. The rumor was the driving force behind one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Upon landing in the Netherlands, they were detained at Schiphol airport, where they spent a week in custody while their identity was verified and it was ensured that they did not pose a security risk.
Later, they were transferred to several refugee centers while awaiting the crucial date, the day in court that would determine their future.
But destiny played a nasty trick on them. Right on the day of the hearing, the train they were taking to the court broke down. They arrived late and missed the appointment that could have changed their lives. Their asylum request was denied.
“We had worked hard to integrate, we were learning the language, but it was never enough,” recalls the Cuban, who recounts how, with just five euros, he and his wife shared a bottle of cider and some chocolates while sitting in a park, reflecting on their uncertain future.
His story is set against a broader migratory context. In 2017, there was a significant increase in asylum requests from Cubans in the Netherlands, which led the Dutch government to impose, starting in January 2018, the requirement of a transit visa for Cuban citizens. According to a report at that time by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this was a measure to curb abuses of the asylum system.
Despite the pain of that moment, today he sees what happened as part of his personal journey. “It's incredible how a passport changes things. Now we can enter without any problems,” he remarks regarding his return to the Netherlands, now as a visitor, in a completely different scenario.
The video concludes with an inspiring message. “Being Cuban is sometimes 99% of the problems one faces. But if you're going through a tough time and don’t understand why it's happening to you, trust the process. The only solution is to keep pushing forward. Life has something in store for you.”
Her story, which intertwines the realities of migration, the challenges of being Cuban abroad, and the spirit of resilience, has resonated with thousands of people who see themselves reflected in her experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cubans and Asylum in the Netherlands
Why was the Cuban's asylum application denied in the Netherlands?
The Cuban's asylum request was denied because they arrived late to the key hearing in court, as the train they were on suffered a breakdown. This delay caused them to miss the opportunity to present their case before the court.
What was the Cuban's initial motivation for seeking asylum in the Netherlands?
The motivation was a rumor that the Netherlands was granting political asylum to Cubans. This rumor prompted the Cuban and his wife to leave Cuba and seek international protection in the Netherlands in 2017.
What changes did the Netherlands make to its migration policy regarding Cubans starting in 2018?
As of January 2018, the Dutch government imposed a transit visa requirement for Cuban citizens. This measure was adopted to curb abuses of the asylum system due to the significant increase in applications from Cubans.
How does immigration status influence the experiences of Cubans returning to the U.S. from Cuba?
The immigration status of Cubans significantly influences their experience when returning to the U.S. Permanent residents or those with specific conditions may face fewer complications, while those with political asylum may be questioned about their travels to Cuba. Each case varies according to legal status and entry history into the country.
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