The young Cuban Yoe Villares Fernández sparked a heated debate on social media after posting on Facebook that he decided to return to Cuba and that “he will not regret it,” despite acknowledging that there is “hunger” and “needs” on the island.
According to what was said, he prioritizes reuniting with his family over the "four dollars" he could earn in the United States.
In his message, Villares stated that he and other migrants went to the U.S. “to work,” that they “are not criminals,” but that —in his opinion— they are being treated “as if they were criminals”, and described an atmosphere where “you are being hunted” and one becomes “prey.”
"If there were freedom, none of this that is happening would have occurred a while ago, you are being hunted as if you were prey, it's hard, very hard, that's why I made the best decision of my life," he stated.
The post became especially controversial due to a phrase he repeated several times: "There is no freedom here," and his conclusion that in the United States "right now there is no future," while he defined Cuba as "the only country where one can live in this world."
“I’m going to Cuba”: family, fear, and a call to other migrants
The Cuban asserted that his return is not to please anyone, but for his "happiness", which he found in reuniting with his mother, his grandmother, and his loved ones.
“Don’t be afraid, those who want to return to their country, let them return,” he wrote, encouraging those who —in his view— are going through the same situation to “make a decision” and not “waste any more time.”
He also stated that he will be criticized by "millions and millions," but that many people will "identify with" him.
In the comments on his post, some users expressed their respect for his personal decision, but questioned his statement that in the U.S. “there is no freedom”.
One of them replied that "no one invited us" and yet "they let us in," and he recounted that, despite not having residency after "three and a half years," a recent encounter with the police "nothing happened."
That same user suggested to him “do not criticize this country” and direct your criticisms at the government which, according to him, is responsible for the situation driving migration.
Other comments expressed more emotional support: one user told him that "it's your decision" and that one does not live for the approval of others; another person stated that "nobody has the slightest idea of what is being experienced in this country" and that those who are not "psychologically prepared" "lose the game"; there were also reactions in a mocking tone.
Villares shared another video showing the emotional reunion with his mother after his return to the Island. They embraced and he declared, "This is my happiness."
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