The Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás sparked a wave of reactions on social media with a message in which he harshly questions compatriots who claim that “politics do not concern them.” His reaction comes after a video went viral, featuring a young woman defending her decision to continue visiting Cuba because her family lives there.
"With everything that our Cuban brothers are going through in this community, we still have to see and hear this. It's incredible to see how they believe they deserve everything. Other immigrants also have families, and you don't see them talking that way publicly," Ugás wrote while sharing the clip on his social media.
The boxer recalled the historical cost of the migration benefits that Cubans have received: “This law cost thousands of executed individuals, thousands of political prisoners, and millions of exiles. But today’s Cuban doesn’t care about any of those sacrifices. Respect that, damn it.”
In his message, he added: "I went nine years without seeing my mom. And you don't love your mom any more than I love mine. But I became a resident because of a political law... a law that we Cubans of honor fought for. Stop talking nonsense and have some respect. Because we earned that law with blood and pain."
In the response video posted on his social media, Ugás emphasized that he was not personally attacking the young woman: "This video is not against the girl, nor against her because there are millions who think this way." However, he warned about the consequences of that stance: "Because of people who speak like this, because of people who say they are not interested in politics, today we have nearly one million, 500, 600 thousand, 700 thousand Cubans without papers."
The boxer pointed directly to the elimination of the "Wet Foot/Dry Foot" policy during Barack Obama's administration: "Because of people who talk like this, Obama came and got rid of the Wet Foot/Dry Foot law. We lost what we had because of people like that."
He also expressed concern that the Cuban Adjustment Act, the last immigration benefit for Cubans, is at risk: “The only thing we have left is the Adjustment Act, and that is almost coming to an end… what a pity to see this.”
Reactions came swiftly and sparked an intense debate. Many supported the boxer’s stance for reminding people of the political origins of the immigration benefits: “I completely agree with you, Yordenis Ugás. Thank you, brother. A hug,” commented one user. Another stated: “It’s because of Cubans like you that I proudly feel Cuban,” while someone else noted: “I completely agree with you, champion. This needed to be said.” There were also messages congratulating him for speaking candidly: “Great champion, always on the right side” and “You are absolutely right, Cubans have forgotten why we are here.”
However, there were numerous criticisms questioning the severity of his message and the idea of sacrificing family. "It's easy to talk like that when you're a millionaire. Family comes before everything," one internet user replied, while another challenged him sarcastically: "Let's send your mom to Cuba and stay strong, never see her again." Among those most upset, someone wrote: "I was your fan until today. You also went to Cuba when you could." Others defended the young woman in the video: "So should we forget about our parents? I would never stop seeing them," while another emphasized: "Gentlemen, politics is what separates us, but family is sacred."
It is not the first time that the boxer has expressed strong opinions regarding the Cuban reality. In May, he referred to the attendees of the May Day marches in Havana as "millions of accomplices" in a harsh criticism of the official parade, and shortly after, he targeted Miguel Díaz-Canel following the death of a political prisoner's mother, an event he described as "an unforgivable cruelty" in another viral message.
He also spoken out about the deportation of a Cuban mother separated from her breastfeeding child in the United States, a case he called "very sad" in a public statement against ICE. Additionally, he has shown his support for Lester Domínguez, a young man who was attacked with machetes in Holguín, celebrating his recovery after following the case for months, as he shared in an emotional post.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yordenis Ugás and His Political Position
Why did Yordenis Ugás criticize Cubans who say that politics does not interest them?
Yordenis Ugás criticized Cubans who claim that politics does not interest them, as he believes this stance has contributed to the loss of important immigration benefits for Cubans in the United States. According to Ugás, political indifference has led to decisions such as the elimination of the "Wet Foot/Dry Foot" policy and poses a risk to the Cuban Adjustment Act. Additionally, he highlighted the historical sacrifices that have allowed Cubans in exile to enjoy certain rights.
What does Yordenis Ugás think about the political situation in Cuba?
Yordenis Ugás is an outspoken critic of the Cuban regime and has used his platform to denounce human rights violations on the island. Ugás believes that Cuba is one of the countries with the least economic and social freedoms, comparing it to North Korea. He has highlighted the importance of not forgetting the sacrifices made by the Cuban exile community and has criticized those who prefer to remain silent about the situation in their homeland.
How has Yordenis Ugás's personal experience with family separation been?
Yordenis Ugás's personal experience with family separation has been characterized by pain and sacrifice. Ugás spent almost nine years without seeing his mother due to her decision to exile from Cuba. He has shared on several occasions the difficulties and emotions he faced during this time, emphasizing the value of the sacrifices made by Cubans in exile to gain freedom and opportunities.
What has Yordenis Ugás said about immigration benefits for Cubans in the U.S.?
Yordenis Ugás has pointed out that the immigration benefits for Cubans in the U.S. have a political origin and a significant historical cost. He highlighted that these benefits, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act, were earned thanks to the sacrifices of many Cubans who faced political persecution and repression. Ugás regrets that some Cubans do not adequately appreciate these sacrifices and the benefits obtained.
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