Choosing Family Over the "American Dream": Cuban Returns to Homeland

A Cuban man known on TikTok as @maoma1421 has gained significant attention after sharing videos explaining his decision to move back to Cuba from the United States. His posts have sparked a lively debate among Cubans both in the homeland and abroad.

In his initial video, apparently filmed in the U.S., he declares, “I’m heading back to Cuba, criticize me all you want. Yes, things are tough in Cuba—there’s illness, hunger, and many needs—but my family is there, and they mean more to me than the few bucks I can earn here.” He expresses a deep longing to “see them, hug them, live with them,” and complains about being treated like a criminal.

“We came to this country looking for a future, seeking freedom, and found none of it. Freedom? It doesn’t exist here. Don’t be fooled anymore, there’s no freedom in this country,” he asserts.

He later posted a follow-up video to further elaborate on his viewpoint: “There is no freedom here because if there were, none of what’s been happening for a while would occur, where you’re hunted like prey. It’s hard, really tough. That’s why I made the best decision of my life, and I won’t regret it.” He acknowledges that “millions will criticize” him, but some will understand his choice. “The only place to live in this world is not the United States. Don’t be deceived. I’m leaving, regardless of what anyone says, to hug my mom, my grandma, and those I love, which this country won’t take from me.”

In a third video, now from Cuba, he addresses skeptics who doubted his return. “This is for everyone who thinks I’ll go back to the United States. I’m giving away the U.S. to anyone who wants to stay. Look, my happiness is here, my mom, my family. That’s my happiness, worth more than chasing money. In the end, my happiness is mine to find.” The video shows him joyfully embracing his mother, repeating, “This is my happiness, my family.”

The responses to his videos varied widely. Some viewers expressed empathy or support. One user wrote, “Being with your mom and family is priceless.” Another commented, “Returning home isn’t going backward or failing; it’s a conscious choice.” Others shared similar experiences, highlighting the irreplaceable value of family: “When you lose your mother, nothing is the same,” or “No amount of money can buy the love for family.”

Conversely, some criticized his decision. “I couldn’t bear to return to that communist hell,” one person commented. Another pointed out, “You should have thought about it earlier; this country isn’t for everyone, only for true fighters.” Some defended the U.S., stating, “If there’s anything you’ve found here, it’s freedom. There's a fine line between freedom and excess,” noted a popular comment. Another warned, “You’ll tire of the lack of food, electricity, water, freedom, medicine.”

In more moderate views, some insisted his choice be respected. “Everyone can do what they want with their life. The day people learn to respect that, they’ll be happy,” one wrote. Another added, “You don’t owe anyone an explanation, people get offended if someone doesn’t like living in the U.S.”

Others reflected on Cuban migration and the sense of belonging. “You always return to where you were happy,” one user noted, while another summarized: “Not everyone knows how to live outside Cuba, but not everyone wants to go back. Some bring their family here and live peacefully, others prefer staying there with theirs. Everyone has their story.”

The story of @maoma1421 has reignited a familiar conversation among Cuban emigrants: the expectations of life abroad versus the emotional weight of family separation. His statement that “the only place to live in this world is not the United States” has stirred discussions both supporting and opposing his view.

Beyond the interpretations, his posts present a personal journey that resonates with many, both inside and outside of Cuba, for its emotional depth and the contradictions it highlights regarding freedom, family, and identity.