"I was I-220A": Cubana returns to the island after more than two years in the U.S., and this is how she is experiencing it

A Cuban woman goes viral on TikTok as she recounts her return to Cuba after two years in the U.S. for family reasons. Her story, related to the I-220A program, sparks divided opinions on social media.

Cuban on the islandPhoto © @yenym02 / TikTok

A Cuban woman identified as @yenym02 on TikTok has gone viral on social media after sharing a video in which she reveals that she voluntarily returned to Cuba after spending more than two years in the United States as part of the humanitarian parole program I-220A.

In response to a user who questioned her story, the young woman explained the reasons that led her to return to the island: “My love, it’s not just a story, I was I-220A, I had been in the USA for two and a half years and my husband was deported, my mom was in Cuba, my little siblings were in Cuba, my great-grandmothers were in Cuba, that’s why I made the decision to come back. I am happy, content, and without regrets,” she affirmed.

The testimony was published alongside a short video where she appears smiling in what seems to be her new surroundings in Cuba. While she does not provide further details about the conditions of her return or whether it was voluntary or arranged by immigration authorities, her message has sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok, with divided opinions between those who criticize her and those who support her decision.

The I-220A form refers to a immigration category used by U.S. authorities to release migrants under supervision while they await a resolution on their case.

Many Cubans have arrived in the U.S. under this condition, and their return to the island, whether voluntary or forced, is often surrounded by controversy.

The young woman did not provide details about her current immigration status, but made it clear that her return was motivated by family and personal reasons. "I am happy," she emphasized in her message, insisting that she has no regrets about the decision made.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Return of Cubans with I-220A Status to Cuba

Why did the Cuban identified as @yenym02 decide to return to Cuba?

The Cuban @yenym02 decided to return to Cuba for family and personal reasons. Her husband was deported, and her mother and other relatives were in Cuba, which prompted her voluntary return to the island after more than two years in the United States.

What is the I-220A immigration status?

The I-220A is a migration category used by U.S. authorities to release migrants under supervision while they await a decision on their case. Many Cubans have arrived in the U.S. under this condition, allowing them to live temporarily in the country as they continue their migration processes.

How has the community reacted on social media to @yenym02's return to Cuba?

The reaction on social media to the return of @yenym02 has been mixed, with divided opinions between those who criticize and those who support her decision. Her testimony has sparked a wave of comments on TikTok, reflecting the various perspectives on the return of migrants to the island.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.