The Cuban activist Thais Mailén Franco Benítez celebrated on September 8, the day of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, the patron saint of Cuba, a personal victory that she described as the result of three years of continuous effort in the United States.
With excitement, he shared on his social media that he was able to buy his first car: a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
"With God's blessing, after studying and working tirelessly since I arrived in this great country that opened its doors to me and that I consider my second homeland, I was able to buy my first little car," he wrote on Facebook.
He emphasized that he did it "without profiting, without stealing, without doing anything improper, while still helping some relatives of political prisoners and my people in Cuba."
She expressed her gratitude to those who accompany her on her journey and confirmed that her next goal is to reunite with her two young children, whom she affectionately refers to as "my little crocodiles," who are still in the Island.
"I bought it for them like this; we all fit here, it has 7 seats," he specified, referring to the capacity of his new vehicle.
A path filled with sacrifices
Franco arrived in the United States in August 2022, accompanied by her eldest son, after leaving Cuba under the threat of being returned to prison by the regime due to her activism.
He crossed the border in California in October of that year, and his excitement was captured in a video where, through tears, he shouted: "We did it, my love, we did it!"
However, their arrival in exile was marked by precariousness.
The activist publicly acknowledged that she lived in a trailer in Miami, without papers or a work permit. "With great pride," she said at the time, clarifying that her priority was not luxury, but rather supporting her children and remaining steadfast in her struggle.
"I didn't come here to show off dresses or shiny handbags; I came to survive and to help my children who are suffering in Cuba due to the consequences of the regime."
In several messages directed to her little ones Xabryna and Maikol, she has expressed her pain over the separation and her longing to be able to hug them again.
Difficulties and Aggressions in Exile
The path of the opposition figure in the United States has not been without obstacles either.
In November 2023, she reported that her car in Las Vegas was vandalized: the windows were broken and the front plate was replaced with a Cuban flag.
The incident generated outrage among his supporters, who interpreted it as an act of intimidation by regime sympathizers.
"These are their hitmen who enter through the border asking for asylum and then come here to cause trouble," one of their supporters denounced.
A symbolic conquest
The purchase of this new vehicle, beyond its practical utility, symbolizes for Franco a triumph over adversity in a migration journey marked by hardships, threats, and personal sacrifices.
"The only thing I've done since I got here is study and work like a mule, burning the midnight oil. I think I deserve it," she said.
With the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe parked as a tangible testament to her efforts, the Cuban activist sent a message of hope and faith: "Here I share a bit of my joy. A hug."
Frequently asked questions about the achievements of Cuban activists in the United States
How did Thais Mailén Franco manage to buy her first car in the U.S.?
Thais Mailén Franco managed to buy her first car, a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, after three years of constant effort in the United States, working and studying tirelessly since her arrival in 2022. The activist emphasized that she did it without resorting to improper practices and while helping relatives of political prisoners in Cuba.
What does the purchase of the car symbolize for Thais Mailén Franco?
For Thais Mailén Franco, buying her car represents a symbol of personal triumph amid a migratory journey filled with hardships, threats, and personal sacrifices. It is a tangible testament to her effort and a message of hope and faith for other migrants in similar situations.
What has Thais Mailén Franco's migration journey been like in the U.S.?
The journey of Thais Mailén Franco in the U.S. has been filled with challenges since her arrival in 2022. She left Cuba under the threat of the regime and ended up living in precarious conditions in Miami, without papers or a work permit. Despite these difficulties, she has remained steadfast in her activism and her goal of reuniting with her children who remain in Cuba.
What other achievements have Cuban emigrants reached in the U.S.?
Other Cuban emigrants in the U.S. have achieved significant milestones, such as purchasing homes and cars, demonstrating the fruits of their hard work and perseverance. Examples of this include the stories of Cuban women who bought their first home after living in difficult conditions, or those who have attained financial and personal stability in a country that offers more opportunities than their homeland.
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