The Cuban actress and influencer Eileen Morales, known on social media as @lacubanatiktok, sparked an intense debate on TikTok after posting a video in which she responds to a criticism she received for having her child in Cuba while she emigrated to the United States first.
The comment that provoked her reaction said: “And she left the child in Cuba, what a terrible mother, especially since she is well established in the USA and didn’t take her son with her.” In response, Morales stated: “I am going to respond to this comment because I speak on behalf of myself and all the mothers who had to leave our children far away.”
Throughout the video, the influencer defended her decision and lashed out at those who criticize her for not having her child with her in the U.S. “Maybe you are not Cuban or maybe you are a communist and you don’t understand that Cuba is under a dictatorship,” she stated. “When someone has the opportunity to leave to provide a future for their family, they must do it, which you maybe don’t understand since you are a communist.”
Morales noted that what truly bothers him is not his family situation, but rather his personal success: “What bothers people is not that I am here and my son is in Cuba, no, what bothers them is that I am doing well.” He also said: “Remember that we are in the United States, the paperwork takes time, and everything is a process.”
In his message, he added: "A bad mother is, you know what it is? Living in Cuba, having the opportunity to leave to build a future and staying in Cuba 'oh, because I can’t detach from my child,' are you doing it for yourself, to avoid suffering, or for your child?"
He concluded with one of his most shared phrases: "We are at war, and in war sacrifices must be made; the blame is not mine, the blame lies with a dictatorship."
The video generated thousands of comments on TikTok, sparking divided opinions. Some users defended her, highlighting the sacrifice involved in emigrating without children and the length of legal migration processes. Others, however, questioned why her son remains on the island, suggesting that maternal love cannot be compensated for with financial support.
Messages like "Find your boy, because time doesn't come back" or "Love can't be replaced with money" contrast with others that acknowledge their efforts: "She is getting her paperwork done to bring him legally" or "The son is with his grandmother, well-fed and with a roof and clothes. Well done to you."
This is not the first time that @lacubanatiktok has publicly shared her family situation. Last April, she posted a video denouncing the deterioration of the Cuban health system, after several failed attempts for her son to receive proper medical care.
Her testimony adds to those of other Cuban mothers who have also brought this reality to light through TikTok. In November 2024, @daynemartinez7 stated, "Emigrating is not for the cowardly," defending those who have left their children behind in search of a better future.
Another viral message came from @fanylachyysubanda, who stated: “That doesn't make you any less of a mother nor does it make anyone who comes with their children more of a mother,” urging empathy towards migrant mothers.
On TikTok, the case of Elvita, a Cuban mother who was criticized for emigrating without her son, has also circulated. Years later, she managed to reunite with him in the U.S.: "I silenced many mouths without saying a single word," she wrote in her viral post.
Stories like that of Yilian Martínez, who has been separated from her children for three years under I-220A status, reflect the emotional hardships of exile and the legal hurdles that many Cuban mothers face in the United States.
The public defense of @lacubanatiktok is not just an individual gesture. It is part of a broader phenomenon in which thousands of Cuban women share on social media their pain, guilt, effort, and desire to provide a better future for their children, even from afar.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eileen Morales's Testimony and the Situation of Cuban Migrant Mothers
Why did Eileen Morales leave her son in Cuba?
Eileen Morales left her son in Cuba to seek a better future for him in the United States. She clarifies that leaving Cuba was a necessary decision due to the political and economic situation in the country and that she is working to bring her son to the U.S. legally.
What criticism has Eileen Morales received for leaving her son in Cuba?
Eileen Morales has faced criticism accusing her of being a "bad mother" for leaving her son in Cuba while she emigrated to the United States. In response, Morales emphasizes that her decision was a sacrifice made to secure a better future for her family, and criticizes those who do not understand the difficulties Cubans face under the dictatorship.
How has Eileen Morales reacted to the criticism on social media?
Morales has responded forcefully to the criticism, defending his decision and emphasizing that the real issue is the dictatorship in Cuba, which compels many to emigrate. He has used his social media platforms to highlight the sacrifices of many Cuban mothers in their situation and has garnered both support and controversy for his statements.
What challenges do Cuban mothers face when they emigrate without their children?
Cuban mothers who emigrate without their children face emotional and legal challenges. Many must endure the separation from their children while waiting for the necessary immigration processes to reunite with them. Additionally, they deal with social pressure and criticism for leaving their children behind, even though their aim is to improve the future of their families.
What is the situation of the healthcare system in Cuba according to Eileen Morales?
According to Eileen Morales, the healthcare system in Cuba is severely deteriorated. She has reported the lack of medications and adequate medical care for her son on the island, highlighting that often doctors are unavailable and access to treatments is very limited, which is part of the general crisis the country is facing under the current regime.
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