A Cuban resident in the United States shared on TikTok her experience returning from Cuba on an American Airlines flight, and explained how she was taken —along with nearly all the passengers— to a room at Miami airport, although she emphasized that she did not experience any questioning that was out of the ordinary.
"This is something that everyone is asking about, and I'm going to share my experience," begins the user identified as @thalia_hr in the video, who claims this is her third trip to Cuba and she has never had problems upon her return.
"I have never been taken to the little room, I have never been asked anything out of the ordinary. Where did you go, why did you go, how many days were you there... Things like that," he recounted.
According to reports, this time the authorities led almost all the passengers from their flight, as well as those from others arriving from countries like Spain, Korea, and Thailand, to a special room where they had to wait.
"They called you by your name, handed back your passport, and asked for your first name, last name, and sometimes the same questions they ask when you get off the plane. Nothing unusual," he assured.
The young woman emphasized that her intention is not to contradict those who have reported more tense experiences upon their return to the U.S. after visiting Cuba, but she wanted to clarify that, in her case, "everything went well" and she did not witness any passengers being denied entry or warned about future consequences.
"I don't think what happened today was only with the Cubans because there were people from other countries as well," he added.
The video has generated dozens of comments from other users who shared similar experiences. Some claimed to have gone through similar checks, even returning from other countries, while others pointed out that these processes are not new, but are now becoming more visible due to social media.
"That's always happened, it’s just that now people post it on TikTok," commented a user.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Controls at U.S. Airports for Travelers from Cuba
What are the common questions that immigration authorities ask travelers from Cuba?
The most common questions include the reason for the trip, the length of stay in Cuba, and the amount of money being brought. These questions are part of a routine check and do not necessarily indicate a problem with the traveler's immigration status.
Is it true that social media is generating unfounded fear about these controls?
Many users have shared on social media that their travel experiences have been uncomplicated despite alarming rumors. Social media can amplify situations that in most cases are just normal procedures in immigration control.
What should Cuban residents in the U.S. consider before traveling to Cuba?
It is important to be informed about personal immigration status and current regulations. Although there are no official restrictions preventing residents from traveling to Cuba, each case may vary depending on the immigration officer handling it and the traveler's history. It is advisable to consider the necessity and urgency of the trip.
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