A Cuban woman living in the United States, known on TikTok as @yai_lent, has sparked a heated discussion online after addressing a comment questioning her return trips to Cuba despite her political reasons for emigrating. A user named Jorge Porras criticized her, asking, "Why do you claim to flee a dictatorship, take advantage of the laws and protections here derived from that dictatorship, and then go back there? It's outrageous and disgraceful."
In response, "yai_lent" firmly stated that the real disgrace is a fellow Cuban speaking in such a manner about others. "The only part of your comment you got right was that we left a dictatorship. Sadly, we had to leave, but many Cubans have reasons to keep returning to Cuba," she explained. She elaborated that those who left behind children, parents, or sick grandparents have more than enough reasons to return, even if some don't understand it. "You won't get it because you have nothing here or here," she added, pointing to her temple and heart.
She concluded her message with irony and a challenging tone: "Blessings, and may karma serve you that steak sandwich you despise so much."
The words of "yai_lent" triggered a wave of reactions on TikTok, with opinions divided. Many users supported her stance, emphasizing that family is a valid reason to return to Cuba, without it being a contradiction. "This young woman speaks the truth. I'm Cuban, and I fully support her," commented one user, while another noted, "The mistake many make is thinking we left Cuba fleeing. Some live well in Cuba, even better than here. We go for family."
Conversely, some questioned the logic behind her argument, pointing out that many Cubans gain residency in the U.S. thanks to the Cuban Adjustment Act, historically linked to political persecution. "The Adjustment Act stems from political asylum," one user commented, to which "yai_lent" replied by asking if they also found it outrageous that Cubans visit their homeland.
Some critics were more direct. "Are you willing to lose your social status for those reasons, knowing that if you entered on political asylum, you're violating the law?" one user wrote. "I didn't enter on political asylum; that's something he made up," she clarified.
While some accused her of hypocrisy, others felt the criticism was unfair. "People who speak like that have empty hearts. Many blessings and success to you," commented one follower. Another advised her to ignore those who meddle in things that don't concern them: "People always spreading venom and sticking their noses where they don't belong... Go to Cuba as often as you want and can. If God gave it to you, Saint Peter blesses it."
Days before this controversy, "yai_lent" shared an emotional video with her 95-year-old grandmother in Cuba. Tearfully, she recounted traveling to the island to give her grandmother a "final kiss," as her health was declining, and she had been eagerly waiting to see her. "She's 95 and was desperate to see me, but when I could go, she was already unwell," she wrote in the video.
Upon her return, she shared her airport experience, noting that the entry process was simpler than expected. "I was really scared because there's a lot of misinformation about Cuba and all this," she commented. She explained that her immigration status wasn't tied to political asylum; she obtained residency under the CU6 category via the Cuban Adjustment Act. "With my residency, I didn't have to seek asylum. I crossed the border, received a 60-day parole, and then applied for the Cuban Adjustment Act after a year and a day," she detailed. She also clarified that upon arriving in Miami, she faced no interrogations or complications: "They asked for my passport, sent me to the little room, and didn't ask any questions. An officer called me through a door and told me to leave."
The topic of Cuban residents in the U.S. traveling back to the island continues to provoke mixed reactions. While some argue that those who emigrated citing political persecution shouldn't return, others assert that family ties outweigh any political or legal arguments.
The statements by "yai_lent" continue to fuel debate, highlighting the complex situation faced by many Cubans in exile.
Understanding the Cuban Adjustment Act and Its Implications
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act is a U.S. law that allows Cuban natives or citizens who meet certain requirements to apply for permanent residence in the United States. It was enacted in 1966 in response to the political situation in Cuba.
Why do some people criticize Cubans returning to Cuba?
Critics argue that returning to Cuba contradicts claims of fleeing political persecution. They believe that those who benefit from political asylum should not revisit the country they left due to oppression.
Can family reasons justify returning to Cuba?
Many believe that family ties are a compelling reason to return to Cuba. Emotional connections to family members often outweigh political considerations for some individuals.