A young Cuban woman from Pinar del Río, currently living in Moscow, ignited a significant online debate after revealing her preference to return to Cuba—despite the blackouts and shortages—rather than endure the relentless police harassment she experiences in Russia.
The video, shared by influencer Lino García, also known as "The Cuban Creator," highlights the experiences of various Cubans residing in the Eurasian country. Over the past few days, García has documented their stories.
When García asked the young woman what freedoms she feels are lacking in Russia, she replied without hesitation, "Here, the police are constantly on your back."
Faced with the question of whether she'd choose to return to Cuba, even if it meant enduring power outages and hunger, she firmly stated, "Yes. I want to go back to Cuba."
She poignantly added, "We have everything here except happiness and freedom."
Her statement struck a chord, sparking a conversation centered around the sentiment: "In Cuba, I had something I don't have here. Happiness."
Massive Empathy and a Complex Debate
The video amassed over 80,000 views, 2,452 reactions, and 526 comments, most of which expressed empathy. Those familiar with life in Russia largely validated her account.
"I liked Russia, but the police harassment takes a toll on anyone's mental health," one commenter noted. Another, who spent three years in Moscow, acknowledged the difficult choice many face: "It's tough to live hiding from the police, but going back to Cuba isn't necessarily a solution either."
Several emigrants highlighted the emotional toll often overlooked in economic debates: "Being away from family is hard. Some eat while worrying about their loved ones back home in Cuba."
Others pointed out that the well-being many migrants portray online does not reflect their true state: "Many act as if they're fine to avoid worrying their family, even if they're suffering inside."
A Cuban woman currently living in Moscow emphasized that each migrant's situation differs: "Every Cuban has a unique story, and it's much tougher for some, especially women."
A minority advised against returning to Cuba, arguing that the island's crisis remains severe and that seeking opportunities in a third country might be wiser.
Police Harassment and Harsh Realities
The testimony of the young woman from Pinar del Río is not an isolated case. On Wednesday, July 30, García released another video—titled "We live locked up like rats"—featuring another Cuban woman in Moscow who described her constant fear of detention and deportation, rental scams, and compatriots who, after obtaining Russian citizenship, were conscripted without returning.
In April 2026, a Cuban known as "La Dior" exposed a labor exploitation network where Cuban intermediaries—called "brigadiers"—withhold workers' wages. The affected individuals described starting work at four in the morning without food and returning without pay or documents to file complaints.
Russian authorities have progressively tightened immigration controls. In July 2026, the Duma passed a law requiring foreign workers to prove sufficient income, giving them only 15 days to leave the country if they lose their jobs.
Since April, migrants with documentation issues have been sent to the deportation center in Sájarovo, about 70 kilometers from Moscow, cut off from family and consular assistance.
A Sentiment Beyond a Single Video
García himself has publicly expressed feelings akin to those of the young woman he interviewed. In April 2026, he posted a tearful video saying, "Give me back what I had, give me back my Cuba," which received over 622,000 views on Facebook.
As one commenter summarized the sentiment in the video comments: "In Moscow, you feel like you live without rights and with constant fear. That's the reality for many migrants."
Understanding the Cuban Experience in Russia
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Russia?
Cuban migrants in Russia often encounter police harassment, fear of detention and deportation, and scams related to housing and employment. These issues can severely impact their mental health and sense of security.
Why do some Cuban migrants consider returning to Cuba?
Some Cuban migrants contemplate returning to Cuba due to emotional ties, such as family, and a sense of happiness they felt in Cuba, despite the economic hardships and lack of resources on the island.
How have Russian immigration policies affected Cuban migrants?
Russian immigration policies have become stricter, requiring foreign workers to prove income and limiting their time to leave the country if unemployed. These changes have led to increased deportations and fear among migrants.