A doctor who faced repression in Cuba due to her political views is now seeking political asylum in the United States. Ana Karelia Borrego Machado, a first-degree specialist in Integral General Medicine, was fired from her job in 2011 and subsequently threatened with eviction along with her children simply for asserting her rights.
In a Facebook post, Ana Karelia narrated that she appealed to all state authorities and media outlets, but no one helped her. Instead, she was brutally mistreated by officials, despite being pregnant with her youngest child. "The Ministry of Public Health had a document stating that I was a dissident, participated in human rights commissions, and was monitored by the State Security Control Organs. As a result, I was never given the right to work again and began to be repressed by officers of the Cuban dictatorship," she detailed.
"I sought help from the independent press, which only increased the persecution and repression, making my life on the island impossible," she added.
The doctor arrived in the United States on August 9th, crossing the Texas border with her second child and requested asylum. Her son, being of legal age, was processed separately, causing her great anxiety as a mother. "I was transferred on August 11th to the Karnes County Immigration Center, where I was detained while seeking political asylum and interviewed with positive results. I was released on August 19th with an ankle monitor and a court date for next September. My son was sent back to Mexico to apply for a CBPONE appointment. I fear greatly for his life," she expressed.
The specialist in General Medicine requests the international public's attention to intercede on her behalf after seeking political asylum in the U.S. "I cannot return to my country due to repression. I have documentary evidence of my case," she asserted.
Ana Karelia Borrego Machado's Asylum Case: Key Questions Answered
This section provides answers to key questions surrounding Ana Karelia Borrego Machado's asylum case and the challenges she has faced.
Why is Ana Karelia Borrego Machado seeking asylum in the United States?
Ana Karelia Borrego Machado is seeking asylum in the United States due to the persecution and repression she faced in Cuba for her political views and activism in human rights commissions.
What actions led to Ana Karelia's persecution in Cuba?
Ana Karelia was persecuted for asserting her rights, participating in human rights commissions, and seeking help from the independent press, which led to increased repression from Cuban authorities.
What challenges has Ana Karelia faced since arriving in the United States?
Upon arrival in the United States, Ana Karelia faced the challenge of being separated from her son, who was processed separately. She was detained at the Karnes County Immigration Center and released with an ankle monitor and a court date.
What is Ana Karelia's request to the international community?
Ana Karelia is asking the international community to intercede on her behalf as she cannot return to Cuba due to repression. She has provided documentary evidence to support her case.