A Cuban resident on the island shared on social media his longing to emigrate with his family to Spain. In a video recorded in front of the Spanish consulate in Havana, William expressed his wish to one day "be in line" at that diplomatic office, hoping to start a new life outside of Cuba.
“Someday I will be there too, my mom, my sister, and my niece. […] Hopefully, we can escape from here,” said William, who identifies as a “guajiro” and humbly expresses his desire to leave the island behind. “I want to get lost for a while, even though I know I will miss the island later,” he confessed. “Dreaming costs nothing, and anything can become a reality,” he added with faith in the video uploaded to his account @williamcampesino.
The video, titled "A Dream for the Future" and shared a few weeks ago, touched hundreds of users on TikTok who resonated with its message and sent messages of support and encouragement. "If God wills it, Cuba will be free and you won't have to flee," commented one user. "That dream that seems distant today will be your reality tomorrow," wrote another follower. "When you come, I will help you," promised someone from Spain.
In the midst of the support, there were also practical reminders. “You need to hurry because the law ends on October 22,” wrote a user referring to the Law of Democratic Memory, although William does not make a direct mention of that process.
This law, in effect since October 2022, has allowed thousands of Cubans of Spanish descent to begin the process of obtaining citizenship. However, the process on the island has been affected by consulate collapses, document fraud, and changes in the appointment system that have created uncertainty. Starting June 23, the consulate will eliminate its current platform and those who do not make a reservation before that date will have to start the process again.
William's story, however, does not delve into those technical details. He only dreams. In front of the diplomatic headquarters, he shares his hope of leaving Cuba and finding opportunities for himself and his family.
This, however, is not the first testimony from William on social media expressing his desire to leave the island.
In December 2024, under the username William Sanjul, he had already publicly expressed his frustration about being unable to emigrate, stating that “even selling everything I have is not enough for the plane ticket.”
Both publications reflect the same enduring dream: to leave Cuba with their family and start a new life far from precariousness. A dream that, while it does not guarantee departure, at least offers hope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Emigration to Spain and the Law of Democratic Memory
Why does William want to emigrate from Cuba to Spain?
William wishes to emigrate from Cuba to Spain in search of a new life and better opportunities for himself and his family. In his video in front of the Spanish consulate in Havana, William expressed his longing to be in line to start the emigration process, motivated by the desire to leave behind the difficulties of the island.
What is the Law of Democratic Memory and how does it affect Cubans?
The Law of Democratic Memory allows descendants of Spaniards, such as many Cubans, to apply for Spanish citizenship. This law, also known as the "Grandchildren's Law," has led to an increase in nationality applications, but it has also caused congestion in consulates, document fraud, and criticism of the process, especially at the diplomatic mission in Havana.
What are the main problems faced by Cubans in the process of Spanish nationalization?
The main issues include a lack of credentials to access the appointment system, prolonged delays, and a black market for counterfeit documents. These challenges have created a state of uncertainty and frustration among applicants, who fear being left out of the process before the deadline in October 2025.
What measures has the Spanish Consulate in Havana taken to expedite the naturalization process?
The Consulate of Spain in Havana has increased the number of weekly appointments for submitting applications under the Law of Democratic Memory by 336. This measure aims to enhance service capacity by 27.2% to ease the bottleneck created by high demand. However, criticism remains regarding the slowness and lack of transparency in the process.
Filed under:
