An emotional and heartbreaking plea from a Cuban father to his daughter living in the United States has gained significant attention on social media. Through a video shared on TikTok by user Niurka Préstamo Oficial, the young woman revealed a heart-wrenching conversation with her father, who urged her not to return to Cuba due to the dire state of the country. "Yesterday, I received a call, and it was my dad. He said, 'Daughter, nothing works here. I'm calling to tell you not to come back to Cuba. You don't deserve to see the mess this country has become, the misery your family, friends, and neighbors live in. You don't deserve to witness the poverty here, where even a child begs for money to buy a chocolate,'" the Cuban woman recounted, her voice choked with emotion.
Her father, aware of her longing to reunite with loved ones, advised her strongly against renewing her passport and urged her to cherish the memories of the Cuba she knew as a child. "He told me, 'Don't renew your passport. There's nothing for you to come back to. Hold onto the memories,'" she added in her poignant account.
The video has resonated deeply among Cubans both on the island and abroad, who empathize with the pain and helplessness expressed by the young woman and her father. Cuba's economic and social conditions have deteriorated in recent years, plagued by rampant inflation, food and medicine shortages, and an unprecedented wave of migration.
This message of desperation is not an isolated incident. Increasingly, Cubans are forced to make tough choices in the face of the country's crisis, leaving loved ones behind in search of a better future. While some hold onto hope for change, others, like this young woman’s father, choose to shield their children from witnessing the island's harsh realities.
The Cuban woman's testimony has been widely shared on social media, with hundreds of users expressing solidarity and understanding. "It hurts so much to see our Cuba like this, but it's the harsh reality," one TikTok user commented. "Your father is right, there's nothing to come back for," another user noted.
The ongoing crisis in Cuba continues to drive thousands to seek new opportunities abroad, while those who remain face the daily struggle of surviving in increasingly challenging conditions. For many, like this Cuban father, the only way to protect their loved ones is by urging them not to return.
Understanding the Cuban Crisis and Its Impact
Why did the Cuban father advise his daughter not to return?
The father advised his daughter to stay in the U.S. because of the severe economic and social deterioration in Cuba, which has resulted in widespread poverty and instability.
What are the current conditions in Cuba that concern its citizens?
Cuba is facing rampant inflation, shortages of food and medicine, and a significant migration crisis, all of which have created a challenging environment for its citizens.
How have people reacted to the father's plea on social media?
The father's plea has struck a chord with many on social media, where users have shared their solidarity and understanding, acknowledging the painful reality faced by many Cubans.