A young Cuban woman under the I-220A immigration form has touched thousands of people on social media after posting a video where she reads a letter addressed to her mother from the United States, where she is waiting for a resolution regarding her legal status.
"I put my dreams in a suitcase, gave you a hug, and said goodbye with a 'see you soon,' and here I am, already going on three years," says @bea_reyes1924, as she shares how she has coped with the separation. She admits to feeling fear that all her sacrifices might not be worthwhile, but ensures that, although she might let herself down a thousand times, "never you," referring to her mother.
In just over a minute and a half, the author describes the anxiety of living far from her loved ones, the pain of knowing that her mother needs things she cannot provide, and the helplessness of not being able to return. “No bite goes down my throat knowing that you long for it and don’t have it… it’s not the food, it’s the company; it’s not the house, it’s the family.”
The video has generated hundreds of responses from Cubans with similar experiences, especially from women who also left children or mothers on the island. “My same story, but suffering for my mom and my baby,” states one. Another says: “I have also been away for three years, with a baby, and my mom and grandmother have never met her.”
Several testimonies recount the same pattern: years of waiting under I-220A, family separation, fear of failure, a sense of institutional abandonment. One woman shares that she was unable to say goodbye to her mother, who passed away in Cuba due to medical malpractice. Another describes how she promised freedom to her three-year-old daughter before emigrating, but now her daughter is six and she still cannot fulfill that promise.
In the face of those stories, the author responds time and again: "I am also in this struggle for my little one," or "I left my daughter when she was two and a half, and I am missing everything about her." Her voice has become the echo of a community broken by distance, yet united by the same longing.
The publication adds to other recent expressions from Cubans in exile under I-220A, such as the open letter from broadcaster Alejandro Quintana, who in May released a video stating: “When half a million are waiting, the silence of others also hurts.” His call for unity among migrants and legal professionals was widely shared and praised. His words came after a recent decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which, although it refers to a Chinese citizen, has sparked expectations about its potential application to Cuban cases. Activists and lawyers see it as a possible legal pathway to reassess the situation of thousands of people under I-220A.
The audiovisual letter from this young woman does not seek to assign blame, but it does reflect the human cost of prolonged waiting. “Here I am resisting... with the hope of waking up one day to the best news in the world,” she says towards the end. Her message is not limited to a personal story: it lays bare, without embellishments, an open wound for hundreds of thousands of Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the I-220A Immigration Status for Cubans
What is the I-220A form and how does it affect Cuban migrants?
The I-220A form is a parole document granted to many Cuban migrants upon arriving in the United States. This status allows them to live legally in the country while awaiting a judicial resolution regarding their immigration case. However, for many, it represents being in a legal limbo, with uncertainty about their future and difficulties in reuniting with family in Cuba.
What are the main difficulties faced by Cubans under the I-220A status?
Cubans with I-220A status face long periods of waiting and uncertainty regarding their legal situation, which prevents them from returning to Cuba or reuniting with their families. Additionally, they experience challenges in fully settling in the United States due to the lack of stable work permits and the ongoing anxiety about the risk of deportation.
Are there success stories of Cubans with I-220A who have regularized their status in the U.S.?
Yes, some Cubans with I-220A status have successfully obtained permanent residency in the United States after presenting their case before an immigration judge. Despite the lack of legal guarantees, there are testimonies from individuals who have managed to regularize their situation after years of waiting and perseverance, providing hope to others in similar circumstances.
What recommendations are given to Cubans with I-220A awaiting a immigration resolution?
It is recommended to remain calm, live each day normally and not be swayed by rumors or alarming news. It is important to follow the established legal processes, attend immigration appointments, and patiently await the development of your case without making hasty decisions.
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