The Cuban TikTok user @dreisymatanzas shared a testimony that has gone viral, recounting the unpleasant experience she had at Miami airport after returning from a trip to Cuba. The video, which lasts over seven minutes, has garnered thousands of reactions and sparked extensive debate on social media.
"Today I come by to tell you what happened to me when I returned from Cuba. I left for Cuba on July 22 and came back on the 29," the young woman, identified as Dreisy Forte on her account, begins to say.
In her account, she claims that she was taken to the "little room," where she was interrogated by an American official and then by another Cuban-American who, according to her, made her feel intimidated: "I can't explain the mistreatment I received, because of the bad habit that a Cuban has, that when they get a little power, they mistreat other Cubans."
Dreisy states that the officer repeatedly asked him why he went to Cuba and if he was not afraid of returning to the island. "He said to me: 'Aren't you afraid at all of going to Cuba? Aren't you worried that something might happen to you in Cuba?' I told him: 'I have to go because I have two children in Cuba.'"
The TikToker explains that she mentioned her residence is CU6 and that, as far as she knew, those with that status can travel to Cuba without consequences. "She told me, 'Well, you're mistaken; there's never been a case where something like that happened, but it could happen.'"
According to him, the officer warned him: "I'm going to send you to see a judge, so you can explain the same thing to him and see if he wants to give you back your residency." He adds: "Can you imagine, I felt like I wanted to die right there."
At the end of the video, @dreisymatanzas makes a decisive statement: "I will no longer travel to Cuba, unfortunately, I will no longer travel to Cuba... my children will have to go to Mexico, they will have to go to another country for me to see them, or whenever God wants them to be here with me."
The testimony has generated hundreds of comments on TikTok, where many users have shared similar experiences, while others have downplayed the immigration process. Phrases like “there's no worse wedge than that of the same wood,” “that's just to instill fear,” and “become a citizen and forget about that character” are repeated among the reactions.
The testimony of @dreisymatanzas is not the only one that has recently circulated on social media. In recent days, other Cubans have shared similar experiences after returning to the United States from the island, amid increasing attention on the entry protocols for permanent residents.
The user @heidydiazsosa reported that after a three-day trip to Cuba, she was detained at Miami airport, where she stated: “They took my phone, I had to give them my password, they went through my bank account, Cash App, my gallery, and the chats with my family; they accessed everything.” She also claimed that an officer informed her that she would not be able to return to Cuba and that her residency would be flagged in the system.
In contrast, other people have described less stringent controls. The creator @thalia_hr, who also recently returned from Cuba, said that she was taken along with almost all the passengers on her flight to a room for data verification, but she assured that she did not experience tense interrogations and that everything seemed to her to be part of a standard procedure.
Beyond personal experiences, there is concern within the Cuban community regarding the legal implications of traveling to the island after obtaining residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Attorney Patricia Hernández warned that “every time a permanent resident leaves the country and reenters, they expose themselves to having their immigration status evaluated by a CBP officer”, and noted that frequent travel to Cuba may be interpreted as a contradiction to the foundation of the immigration benefit received.
In one of the most serious cases reported, a couple was summoned to appear before an immigration judge at Miami airport after multiple visits to the island in just three years. As an official explained during the procedure, "a person who crosses the border claiming fear for their life should not return to the country they fled."
These situations, although they do not equally affect all travelers, have raised alarm bells at a time when U.S. immigration policy shows signs of tightening. Amid warnings, interrogations, and conflicting testimonies, uncertainty is growing for those who wish to maintain family ties with Cuba without jeopardizing their legal status in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel for Cuban Residents in the U.S. to Cuba
Can Cubans with permanent residency in the U.S. travel to Cuba without issues?
The situation is complex, as some Cubans have reported trouble-free experiences, while others face interrogations and warnings. CBP officials have the authority to assess the immigration status of each resident when re-entering the U.S. and frequent trips to Cuba may be interpreted as a contradiction to the basis of the migration benefit received.
What is the CU6 residency and how does it affect travel to Cuba?
The CU6 residency is granted under the Cuban Adjustment Act, which is designed for Cubans seeking political asylum in the U.S. Returning to Cuba after obtaining this residency may be viewed as contradictory to the reasons stated for receiving asylum, which could complicate the resident's immigration situation.
What can Cuban residents do to avoid issues when returning from Cuba?
It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling, to understand the legal implications of your immigration status and carry clear documentation justifying your trip, such as urgent family reasons that can be explained to immigration officials.
What happens if a permanent resident in the U.S. is taken to the "cuartico" at the airport?
Being taken to the "cuartico" is an additional review procedure where officers may ask more detailed questions about the trip. It does not necessarily imply a legal issue, but it is important to respond honestly and have all the necessary documentation to clarify the immigration situation.
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