The story of Gley, a young Cuban woman who managed to reach Mexico after a difficult journey from the island, has touched the hearts of thousands of social media users, who have flooded the videos where she shares details of her experience with messages of support and solidarity.
In several clips shared on TikTok, Gley candidly recounts the sacrifice involved in leaving Cuba and crossing through Central America to settle in Mexico. "I went through a lot of hardship, but I made it," she asserts. Thanks to the support of her Mexican husband and her own perseverance, she claims to be legally in the country and motivated to succeed.
The reactions were swift. "You are very brave, welcome to Mexico," "My respect, what you did is not something just anyone would do," "God bless you for your strength," are some of the hundreds of positive comments she has received. The young woman has responded with gratitude to each display of affection: "Thank you for making me feel welcome. Mexico is a beautiful country."
Among the most frequently asked questions in the comments are the costs of their journey. Gley detailed that the ticket from Cuba to Nicaragua cost him $1,300, and the route from Nicaragua to Tapachula, Chiapas, involved an additional $700. He also explained that his flight was arranged from the United States and that it is possible to purchase tickets online from abroad.
The story of Gley is not unique, but the way she shares it has created a genuine connection. Last March, she had already captured the public's attention when she released a video in response to those asking her to return to Cuba. "We don't harm anyone here," she stated firmly. The clip garnered nearly a million views and sparked a debate about the reasons that drive Cubans to emigrate.
"In Cuba, there is no food, no medicine, no future. The minimum wage is 10 dollars and it doesn’t even cover a box of chicken," he said. His testimony also included complaints about the precariousness of the healthcare system: "There are people dying because there is nothing in the hospitals."
Like Gley, other Cuban women have used TikTok to share their migration stories. Yaima Alemán, for instance, recounted in March how she crossed Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala before reaching Mexico. The journey, she reported, was exhausting, especially from Tapachula to the central part of the country, when she was transported under inhumane conditions in a closed truck.
Another case, that of Lietty Piña, revealed the risks of falling into the hands of traffickers. She was detained in Guatemala when it was discovered that her guide had not paid the "fee" to the coyotes. “We were kidnapped for a few days... it was very hard,” she said quietly during her testimony.
These stories are part of a growing trend. Mexico has ceased to be merely a transit country and has become a final destination for many Cuban migrants, due to the tightening of U.S. immigration policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Migration Journey of Cubans to Mexico and Their Situation in Cuba
Why do many Cubans decide to emigrate to Mexico?
Cubans are choosing to emigrate to Mexico in search of better life opportunities due to the economic hardship in Cuba. The lack of food, medicine, and a failing healthcare system drives many to seek a more promising future in other countries. Mexico has become a final destination for many, amidst increasing immigration restrictions in the United States.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face during their journey to Mexico?
Cuban migrants face multiple challenges during their journey, such as the risk of falling into the hands of traffickers, inhumane transportation conditions, and uncertainty about their safety. Some, like Lietty Piña, have been held by traffickers, while others have traveled in extreme conditions in closed trucks.
How does the situation in Cuba affect the decision to emigrate?
The economic and social situation in Cuba is a determining factor for emigration. The lack of food, medicines, and an insufficient minimum wage are some of the reasons that drive Cubans to seek a better life in other countries. The precariousness of the healthcare system and the lack of future prospects are also key reasons for emigration.
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