The Cuban influencer Irina Tamayo, with over 260 thousand followers on Instagram, revealed in a recent interview how her migratory journey was to reach the United States, ultimately settling in Miami.
The testimony was shared on the YouTube channel Básico Stream, where he/she recounted the difficulties faced after the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba.
Tamayo recalled how, after the demonstrations on the island, the authorities began to identify participants through social media and unleashed a wave of arrests.
“I was at home, just normal, at 4:00 PM when the police arrived, and I opened the door,” she recounted. She was not arrested, but they warned her that she was under criminal investigation and that she should not attempt to leave the country.
However, she claims that the police warning did not stop her, but rather motivated her to act immediately. Despite there being no available flights to Mexico, the country for which she had a visa, she began to look for other options.
"I called the ticket guy and he told me, 'Irina, I only have flights to Russia.' So I said, well, then it's Russia." The next day, I left for Moscow.
In Russia, she remained 18 days locked in a room, unable to continue her journey to Mexico because travel restrictions due to COVID were still in place. When she was finally able to fly, Russian authorities raised objections to her departure, questioning her presence in Moscow.
“What is a Cuban woman doing in Russia to fly to Mexico?”, they asked her. “And to top it off, my name is Russian,” she commented with laughter. After overcoming that awkward moment, she managed to arrive in Mexico City and then crossed the border into the United States through the Mexicali crossing. “There, on the bridge, I surrendered. I said: ‘Hello, I am Cuban.’ And I requested political asylum.”
Currently, the influencer resides in Miami, where she continues to share content on her social media, but she does not forget the repression that forced her to leave her country, nor her time in Moscow, a cold city where many Cubans still live in small quarters with the hope of achieving the American dream.
Frequently Asked Questions about Migration and the Situation in Cuba
What was Irina Tamayo's journey like from Cuba to Miami?
Irina Tamayo, a Cuban influencer, shared that her migratory journey to the United States included a challenging passage through Russia and Mexico. Following the protests on July 11, 2021, in Cuba, she decided to leave the country despite the restrictions and state surveillance. She traveled to Moscow, where she was confined for 18 days before being able to fly to Mexico and ultimately cross the border into the United States to apply for political asylum at the Mexicali crossing.
What challenges do Cubans face when returning to the United States after visiting the island?
Many Cubans have shared experiences of being taken to the "cuartico" in U.S. airports for additional questioning. These situations are often related to the travelers' immigration status and their statement of having left Cuba due to political persecution. Some permanent residents in the U.S. have faced warnings about the risk of losing their legal status if it is deemed that their travels contradict their claim of fear in their country of origin.
Why do many influencers criticize tourism in Cuba?
Influencers like Imaray Ulloa and Laura Méndez have denounced the living conditions in Cuba, showcasing a contrast between the tourist image and the daily reality of Cubans. They criticize that tourism on the island often masks political repression, food shortages, and a lack of freedoms. These messages aim to raise awareness about the ethical implications of visiting a country where citizens suffer under an authoritarian regime.
What challenges does the healthcare system in Cuba face according to testimonies from affected individuals?
The healthcare system in Cuba faces severe issues such as the lack of medications and medical personnel. Eileen Morales, a Cuban influencer, reported the difficulties her son encountered due to not receiving adequate medical attention on the island. These problems highlight the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system, which is often portrayed in an idealized manner by the government, but suffers from significant deterioration in practice.
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