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The Cuban journalist Javier Díaz, a well-known face of Univisión 23 in Miami, has once again moved his followers with an emotional and raw message posted on his account, where he reflects on the migratory drama of thousands of undocumented Cubans in the United States and the historical tragedy of a people forced to seek their future far from home.
"It is a curse what we Cubans have been forced to live: exiled, begging in other lands and seeking acceptance where we will never be happy," wrote Díaz.
"There is nothing like being born and living in our homeland... thriving and building our family in Cuba", he added.
The message comes from a statement of empathy towards those who are currently experiencing the anguish of being undocumented in a foreign country:
"No one can put themselves in the place of an undocumented person… No matter what they tell you, nobody is in your shoes. Not even the one writing these lines."
Díaz acknowledges that he himself went through that process and that, after a year and a day, he was able to obtain residency in the United States.
However, he acknowledges that time is relative and that what thousands of Cubans are facing today could have happened to him as well.
"The saddest thing is that those of us who are already residents or citizens will never truly understand what you're going through... It has to be experienced and endured personally, just as you are doing," she expressed.
The speaker also reflects on what Cuba could have been and what it still might be. He expresses his desire to wave his flag again when he is free, and he issues a call to hope:
"Cubans have been an extraordinary 'civilization' over the centuries, and we can build our own empire... We just need to put our ingenuity into full gear, and we will return to being what we once were, when the Cuban peso was worth even more than the dollar," he emphasized.
A voice of authority on migration issues
The message carries even more weight coming from someone like Javier Díaz, who has sensitively and rigorously documented the harshest stories of Cuban migration through his journalistic work.
Over the years, he has earned the respect and admiration of his audience not only for his professional talent but also for the honesty with which he shares his own experience.
Díaz emigrated in January 2016, after a difficult journey through Central America.
His first job in the United States was in the kitchen of a restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, while he was trying to rebuild his life from scratch.
With a background in Social Communication, she managed to make her mark in the Hispanic media and became a familiar face in households across South Florida.
"I am just another immigrant, another Cuban who arrived one day and felt proud to touch this flag as well," he wrote while recalling his arrival anniversary last January.
Despite his success, he has never stopped denouncing the abuses of the Cuban regime or warning about the emotional and structural repercussions of forced migration.
In May 2024, he described life on the island as "a cage," from which only upon leaving can one comprehend the magnitude of the confinement.
"Being born and living in Cuba is like being locked in a cage, and only when they open the door can you truly fly for the first time… Only a Cuban can understand what that means," he stated at the time.
The nostalgia for a lost country
The journalist's latest post sparked a wave of reactions; users expressed their gratitude for his words during an especially difficult time for thousands of Cubans awaiting a immigration resolution or facing the challenges of exile.
Díaz, who is currently also facing an episode of lumbar hernia, has received numerous messages of support for his humanity, moral clarity, and commitment to the truth.
His testimony is a reminder that freedom is not always a destination, but a process that involves struggle, memory, and dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migration and the Situation in Cuba
Why does Javier Díaz consider that the situation of Cubans is a "curse"?
Javier Díaz, a Cuban journalist, describes the situation of Cubans as a "curse" due to the migratory drama they face, forced to leave their country in search of a better future. He asserts that Cubans are compelled to emigrate and beg for acceptance in other countries, which prevents them from being truly happy. This situation reflects the desperation of a people who cannot thrive in their own land due to the oppressive regime and the economic and social limitations in Cuba.
What personal experiences has Javier Díaz shared about his migration to the United States?
Javier Díaz shared his personal experience of emigrating from Cuba to the United States in 2016. He recounted that his first job was in the kitchen of a restaurant in Texas, while he was trying to rebuild his life abroad. Díaz has been candid about the challenges he faced and how he became a recognized journalist at Univisión, becoming an advocate for freedom and human rights from exile.
What is Javier Díaz's stance on the Cuban regime and the freedom of Cuba?
Javier Díaz maintains a critical stance towards the Cuban regime, which he holds responsible for the hardships faced by the island's population. He advocates for the freedom of Cuba and criticizes official communicators for being complicit with the dictatorship. Díaz encourages Cubans in the diaspora to reflect on the true meaning of freedom and to avoid replicating authoritarian attitudes.
What message has Javier Díaz sent to the pro-government Cuban journalists?
Javier Díaz has delivered a powerful message to Cuban state-affiliated journalists, urging them to side with the truth and stop being complicit with the regime. He warns them that, when Cuba is free, they will be judged for their complicity with the dictatorship, and suggests they find a way to distance themselves from the regime or become independent journalists.
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