A Cuban woman living in the United States has not gone unnoticed by her fellow countrymen on TikTok after responding candidly to those who criticize her for continuing to travel to the island. In a video that has already garnered thousands of views and reactions, the young Mel Columbie (@melcolumbie) made her stance clear: her priority is her family, not politics.
It all started when she posted a video of her arrival in Cuba and a user wrote to her: "Where there is dictatorship, I won't go; let the family endure." Mel didn't stay silent and replied with a recorded message in which she stated: "I respect your opinion. Everyone has a different opinion. It hurts me what is happening in Cuba, but one against all can't be. Now, let's set politics aside, which doesn't interest me; what matters to me is my family."
With a calm but firm voice, he continued: “Those who are in Cuba, who did not have the opportunity to leave, who do not have the opportunity to leave, who do not want to be there but have to be there. I will continue going to Cuba as many times as necessary, because that is where my family is. Whether you like it or not. I am not interested. I will not change what is happening in Cuba.”
Her response sparked a wave of comments, ranging from those who called her hypocritical for benefiting from the Cuban Adjustment Act to those who warned her that she could lose her immigration status if she continues to travel. “You can go until they tell you that you can’t come back,” wrote a follower. Another commented, “With every trip, you are fueling the dictatorship.”
But Mel didn't remain silent in the face of those criticisms either. When someone told her to “respect Celia Cruz,” she responded with irony: “Celia Cruz? Celia Cruz isn’t feeding my family. If you want, I can give you my number so you can support her.” Her straightforward and candid tone earned her the support of many other Cubans who are facing the same dilemma.
"Family comes first," "I also go every time I can," "No one pays for my ticket," were some of the most repeated messages among those who defended him. Many shared their own experiences, convinced that visiting loved ones should not be a reason for public condemnation.
The truth is that Mel's video reignited an old debate within the Cuban exile community: should one sever all ties with the island or continue supporting loved ones left behind? For her, the answer is clear: “I’m not interested in politics; my family is.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy of Traveling to Cuba from Exile
Why does Mel Columbie defend his decision to travel to Cuba?
Mel Columbie states that his priority is his family and not politics. He assures that although the situation in Cuba pains him, his focus is on supporting his loved ones who still reside on the island. He believes that his family connection is more important than any political stance, which has generated both criticism and support on social media.
What criticisms has Mel Columbie received for his travels to Cuba?
Mel Columbie has been called a hypocrite by some, arguing that she benefits from the Cuban Adjustment Act while traveling to a country under dictatorship. Others have warned her about the possibility of losing her immigration status in the U.S. if she continues to visit Cuba. However, she has also received support from those who share her perspective that family should come before political criticism.
What legal consequences could Cubans face when traveling to Cuba from the U.S.?
Traveling to Cuba may have implications for those who obtained their immigration status in the U.S. under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Some users on social media warn that they could face restrictions or lose their status if it is deemed that they have returned to a country they allegedly fled due to political persecution. However, each case is unique and depends on the type of immigration status they hold.
Filed under:
