In Cuba, in front of the gate of a house, two people shared an embrace that made them forget all their problems for a moment. A mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law held each other tight as if time did not exist, but what truly traveled between those arms was a piece of a son who could not be there.
The young woman had flown from the United States with a mission more important than any suitcase: to deliver to that mother the embrace that her son — and the traveler’s husband — was sending her from another country, bound by a paper that for many Cubans is synonymous with an eternal wait: the I-220A.
The scene, recorded and shared on TikTok by @maydelingutierrz, quickly touched hearts. "Mother-in-law, here I give you the hug your son sends you, since I couldn't bring it to you because of that damn I-220A", they wrote about the video. In the images, the Cuban mother, visibly emotional, receives the embrace with tears in her eyes. A moment that encapsulates difficulty, tenderness, and nostalgia, feelings that anyone living far from their family knows well.
For those who may not know, the I-220A is a supervision order issued by Immigration in the United States. It does not formally prohibit leaving the country, but if you have an asylum case or are seeking to regularize your status, doing so is like risking everything. That’s why many prefer to wait… even if it means spending years without kissing or hugging their loved ones.
In the comments of the video, which went viral in just a few hours, stories are repeated that could fill an entire book. “I am I-220A and I miss my parents so much,” a woman recounted. Another mentioned that she has been unable to hug her mother for six years. And there were those, like in this case, who sent a relative to fulfill the mission of embracing a chest that has been waiting for far too long.
What makes this hug special is not just that it crossed borders without a passport, but that it holds everything Cubans know about distance and the ingenuity to bridge it. Because, in the end, that embrace was not just a greeting: it was the most human way to remind a mother that, although her child is far away, he will always find a way to reach her.
Frequently asked questions about the I-220A status and family separation for Cubans
What is the I-220A form and how does it affect Cubans in the United States?
The I-220A form is a supervision order issued by Immigration in the United States that allows certain immigrants to remain in the country while awaiting a decision on their immigration case. Although it does not formally prohibit leaving the country, it can complicate return for those who are in the asylum process or seeking to regularize their status, leading many to face long family separations.
How does family separation under the I-220A status impact emotions?
The family separation under status I-220A is profoundly emotional and challenging. The stories shared on social media highlight the pain, anxiety, and longing experienced by those who cannot return to Cuba to be with their loved ones. Many people send symbolic hugs through relatives or gift packages, trying to bridge the distance with gestures of love and connection.
What are the hopes and challenges for Cubans with I-220A status?
Cubans with I-220A status face a migratory limbo that can last for years, during which they live with the hope of finally obtaining legal status that allows them to reunite with their families. However, they face significant challenges, such as the uncertainty of legal processes, the possibility of deportation, and the difficulty of maintaining a stable life without a defined migratory status.
What actions are Cubans taking to address the I-220A situation?
Many Cubans under the I-220A status are sharing their stories on social media to seek support and raise awareness about their situation. Additionally, some advocate for unity and faith as they await legal resolutions that could improve their circumstances. Social media has become a space for solidarity and the exchange of hopes and strategies to face the migratory limbo.
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