The Cuban Joel Cerro (@omo_mikek3), residing in the United States, has gone viral on TikTok after sharing an emotional video in which he desperately calls for the resignation of Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The young man holds the regime responsible for the family separation and the suffering of the Cuban people, both inside and outside the island.
"Asere, I beg you on my knees. Look, just stop. How long are we going to keep suffering as Cubans?" he asked. Joel emigrated to the United States four years ago and lives in the country with political asylum, but without regular immigration status.
"I only have political asylum, I don't have an I-220A, I don’t have parole, I don’t have any of that, and honestly, I’m not worried about it. If tomorrow this country were to deport me, I would be grateful to it, much more than to my own country," he states, making it clear that he values the opportunity to have supported his family from exile more than his own immigration status.
Sick family members in Cuba create feelings of helplessness for exiles
The profound despair of this Cuban stems from the fact that his brother is suffering from cancer on the island. He is only 45 years old, and there are no medical treatments available for him in Cuba.
"At this moment, my mother and my brother need me. I want to give them a kiss, a hug, and I can't, because if I go back... what will happen next?"
The medications that the patient needs, Joel buys and sends from the United States. He also sends food for the family, remittances for his son in Cuba, and even appliances so that everyone can have a better quality of life amid the crisis affecting the country due to the regime's policies.
"Down with the dictatorship. Freedom for Cuba."
The video culminates in a strong statement against the Díaz-Canel government. Joel reaffirms that the responsibility for the Cuban tragedy does not lie with the U.S. presidents or their immigration policies.
“The blame for our situation does not lie with the United States, nor with President Trump, nor Biden, nor anyone else. It lies with Miguel Díaz-Canel and the Cuban dictatorship.”
Cuban migrants on the brink
Joel's testimony reflects the feelings of many Cuban migrants who live under the threat of deportation due to the tightening of immigration policies in the U.S.
Many have arrived without regular status and depend on political asylum or are awaiting uncertain immigration processes, all while striving to send constant support to their loved ones in Cuba.
This is compounded by a recent measure from the state monopoly ETECSA, which restricts the purchase of credits in national currency, requiring that phone top-ups be made exclusively from abroad.
This movement, interpreted by many as a form of control, places an additional financial burden on emigrants to ensure communication with their families. Many are unable to sustain these ongoing expenses.
Emotional hostages of the regime
From afar, Cubans who emigrate bear the responsibility of supporting their families on the island. They send medicines, food, clothing, and money, often at the expense of personal sacrifices, precarious jobs, and without being able to enjoy their own lives.
Now they will also have to cover high phone top-ups so that their loved ones can stay connected.
The regime's strategy positions the family as an emotional hostage, forcing any gesture of support or affection to come at a cost, from which they profit.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Cubans in Exile and the Díaz-Canel Regime
Why is Joel Cerro calling for Miguel Díaz-Canel's resignation?
Joel Cerro calls for the resignation of Díaz-Canel because he holds him responsible for the suffering of the Cuban people and the family separation he himself is experiencing. He asserts that the Cuban regime is the cause of the tragedy that Cubans endure both inside and outside the island, not the policies of the United States.
What is the situation of Cubans in exile in the U.S.?
Many Cubans in exile in the U.S. are living in an uncertain situation due to strict immigration policies. Many rely on political asylum and face the threat of deportation. Furthermore, they must provide constant assistance to their families in Cuba, which represents a significant financial burden.
How does ETECSA's policy affect Cubans abroad?
ETECSA's policy forces Cubans abroad to cover the phone top-ups for their family members in Cuba, increasing the financial burden on them. This measure is seen as an additional control by the Cuban regime over its citizens.
Why do many Cubans believe that their emigration is for political reasons?
Many Cubans argue that they emigrated for political reasons, as the communist regime in Cuba restricts freedoms and economic opportunities. From a young age, Cubans are subjected to a political system that impacts their daily lives, prompting many to seek better conditions abroad.
How does family separation affect Cubans abroad?
Family separation is one of the most painful consequences for Cubans in exile. Many face the anguish of being unable to return to see their relatives due to their immigration status or the conditions in Cuba, which creates a deep sense of helplessness and pain.
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