A Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @yenyyenyyelreal, captured the chaotic moments before boarding a flight back to Cuba with her life packed in suitcases, her young son, and her partner. The move is driven by a reason many in the Cuban community immediately understand: her other daughter resides on the island, and she has been unable to bring her to the United States.
The video, shared on March 29, displays the family at the airport, juggling numerous bags and feeling the typical anxiety of carrying everything they own. "Titi, how do you feel? She's very nervous," someone is heard saying at the beginning of the clip.
The main character, referred to as Titi, is seen trying to manage the luggage while holding her child and coordinating with her family. "Look at this mess of bags we have to carry," she remarks at one point, highlighting the enormity of uprooting an entire life.
Her choice to return isn't due to failure or deportation but is a family decision. Faced with the impossibility of uniting both of her children in the United States, this woman opted not to waste more time away from her daughter and to return to Cuba to be with her entire family.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications
The audience's reactions were mixed, ranging from admiration to debate. "She's doing what many of us would like to do," commented one follower, encapsulating the sentiment of those who also endure family separations but haven't yet taken such a step.
This case is not unique. In March 2026, another Cuban woman, Massiel Massiel, returned to the island to be with her daughter and family, prioritizing emotional closeness over economic stability. That same month, beautybyjuani announced her return, tired of the fast-paced life in the United States. Influencer maydalinavalentina also returned to Cuba for the third time to "start over," despite facing criticism.
Challenges in the Current Migration Context
These voluntary returns occur amidst a highly tense migration landscape. Over 500,000 Cubans are in uncertain situations in the United States following the end of humanitarian parole and CBP One, with the migration crisis having separated more than 400,000 Cuban families in just two years.
Air connectivity between the two countries has also worsened. Since September 2025, flights between the United States and Cuba have decreased by 20%. A fuel crisis in Cuba during February and March 2026 further restricted operations to just one commercial flight per day from Havana.
Nevertheless, for this Cuban woman, none of these obstacles outweighed the chance to reunite with her daughter. With bags packed and her son in her arms, she chose to return to the island that so many dream of leaving behind.
Understanding the Motivations to Return to Cuba
Why did the woman decide to return to Cuba?
She returned to reunite with her daughter who lives in Cuba, as she was unable to bring her to the United States, and wanted to keep her family together.
What challenges are affecting Cuban migration?
Over 500,000 Cubans face uncertain statuses in the U.S. following changes in policies. Additionally, reduced flights and a fuel crisis have made travel between the countries more difficult.