The Cuban Heidy Díaz Sosa, known on TikTok as @heidydiazsosa, shared a testimony that has gone viral after recounting her experience at Miami airport following a three-day trip to Cuba.
In his video, recorded from Houston, he recounted: “I have a CU6 residency, I did not apply for asylum, my residency is under the Cuban Adjustment Act… they took my cell phone, I had to give them the password to my phone, they went into my bank account, into Cash App, into the gallery, into the chats with my family, they got into everything.”
He also stated that an officer told him he would not be able to return to the island: “They put my husband and me in the system saying that I can no longer enter Cuba… they told me: first and last time.”
The content creator explained that this was her first trip to Cuba in three years, motivated by the need to see her mother and because her husband wanted to visit his ill father. She added a message directed to other Cubans residing in the U.S.: “My advice is that if you are going to go to Cuba, wait; I'm not trying to scare you, but it happened to me... maybe you’ll travel and nothing will happen. It happened to me yesterday and I had a hard time; I thought they were going to send me back.”
The video by @heidydiazsosa has generated hundreds of comments and sparked an intense debate. Some users expressed solidarity and shared similar experiences: “This happened to me too and I live in Spain, I went from Cuba to Miami and they held me, they searched my phone from top to bottom and I got five years of punishment without entering the U.S.”. Others compared the experience to practices in the island: “The small room is like the DTI in Cuba, you come out traumatized”.
Another group of comments insisted that the CU6 residency is equivalent to political asylum and that, therefore, returning to Cuba contradicts that status. “The CU6 residency is for asylum seekers; it's the same as if you applied for asylum,” wrote a user. “The Cuban Adjustment Act is political; when will they understand that,” remarked another.
Voices also emerged questioning the procedure: “That is illegal, they cannot do that, you can seek advice from an immigration lawyer,” advised a user, while several recommended: “Find a lawyer.”
The discussion also included those who downplayed the events, describing it as a warning without significant consequences: “They don't revoke residency for going to Cuba, especially if you're CU6; they just try to instill fear, that's always been the case.” In contrast, some defended the officials' stance: “Whoever came through the border has to face this situation,” “Don't go to Cuba, period. Stop supporting the communist regime with your dollars,” or “Well done, justice is finally being served.”
The magnitude of the debate reflects the polarization within the Cuban community regarding travel to the island following the adoption of the Cuban Adjustment Act.
His testimony arrives at a time when there have been reports of warnings issued to Cubans residing in the U.S. who travel to the island. Last week, the story of a couple of Cubans who were questioned at Miami Airport after returning from Cuba became known, in an incident that highlighted the scrutiny faced by those who entered the United States claiming persecution and then return to their country of origin.
Days later, an immigration lawyer warned that each departure from the country means a resident must “seek readmission” upon returning, which opens the door to reviews. She explained that there is a risk of officials interpreting frequent travel to the island as fraud, and advised caution to Cuban residents.
Other stories of the protagonist
It is not the first time that @heidydiazsosa has shared her experiences in the United States on social media. In January, she tearfully reported her dismissal from a restaurant in Houston; in March, she recounted the pressure from relatives in Cuba demanding money despite her sacrifices; and in May, she proudly stated that she worked as a housekeeper in a nursing home.
In previous occasions, he also mentioned that even on his days off, he takes the opportunity to do cleaning jobs in homes, reflecting the life of sacrifice and effort that many Cuban migrants face in the U.S., as expressed in another one of his testimonies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Travel of Cuban Residents in the U.S. to Cuba
What problems did Heidy Díaz Sosa face when returning from Cuba to Miami airport?
Heidy Díaz Sosa faced a thorough examination of her phone and personal accounts by immigration officials at Miami airport, who also informed her that she would not be able to return to Cuba. This type of review sparked controversy and debate among the Cuban community in the U.S.
What is the CU6 residency and why is it controversial in travel to Cuba?
The CU6 residency is granted under the Cuban Adjustment Act, which is considered a political asylum. Returning to Cuba after obtaining this residency may be seen as a contradiction, as the law is intended for those who fled political persecution on the island.
Is it common for Cubans to be taken to the "cuartico" at the airport when returning from Cuba?
Being taken to the "cuartico" is a common practice for some travelers, especially if they have a migratory status such as political asylum. Experiences vary widely, and not all Cubans face this procedure when returning to the U.S. from Cuba.
What recommendations are given to Cubans residing in the U.S. who want to travel to Cuba?
Caution is advised for Cubans residing in the U.S. who intend to travel to Cuba, especially if they hold CU6 residency. It is recommended to avoid unnecessary trips and to consult with an immigration attorney to better understand the potential risks and impacts on their immigration status.
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